Tiwa Savage has stirred controversy in South Africa. This comes after commenting on the heated debate surrounding singer Tyla’s description of herself as ‘coloured’ in the United States.
During her appearance on The Breakfast Club, the superstar was asked to share her perspective on the issue. Savage acknowledged the deep historical weight the word carries in America while noting its distinct cultural meaning in South Africa.
She went further to extend an apology on Tyla’s behalf. She explained that, it is customary for elders to apologise for the missteps of their younger counterparts.
“I feel two truths can be real. I don’t know what the first thing she said was that sparked the conversation. But I know that where she’s from, they don’t call her black, she’s coloured, not mixed. I get why it’s a huge thing here because of that history behind the word,” Savage explained.
She added: “I felt for her, and I know that she’s young, and I don’t think she means to come off like that. But where I’m from, they say the younger would say, ‘on behalf of so and so, we apologise’. If that wasn’t communicated, on her behalf, I apologise, forgive us. I don’t think it came from a bad place.”
When Asked About Tyla’s ‘Colour’ Comment, Tiwa Savage Shared Her Perspective. pic.twitter.com/mp8mcmCeFa
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Despite her attempt to ease tensions, Savage’s remarks triggered backlash online. Many South Africans criticized her for weighing in on a discourse they consider highly sensitive and deeply tied to their history.