Grammy-winning South African breakout star Tyla has made it clear she’s not aligning herself with Tiwa Savage’s attempt to smooth over a recent controversy.
The drama began after Tyla, in a U.S. interview, described herself as “coloured.” In South Africa, the word is widely used to identify a distinct mixed-race community.
But in the U.S., the same term carries a heavy history and is often considered offensive, sparking swift backlash online.
Wanting to ease the heat, Afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage stepped in during her own appearance on The Breakfast Club. Taking on the role of an industry big sister, she said: “If that was not communicated well … on behalf of her, we apologise.” Tiwa explained that, as an “elder,” she sometimes feels obliged to take responsibility in such moments.
But her move didn’t go down well in South Africa, where critics argued that Tiwa had no right to apologize on Tyla’s behalf without grasping the cultural weight of the term at home.
Tyla herself appeared to send a clear message while on stage at the Global Citizen Festival in New York. Before performing Mr Media, she told the crowd, “Sorry, I am not sorry”—a line many interpreted as her subtle but firm rejection of Tiwa Savage’s apology.
The clip spread fast across social media, with thousands of South Africans applauding Tyla for standing her ground, embracing her identity, and refusing to let someone else speak for her.
Looks like Tyla seemingly responded to Tiwa Savage’s apology on her behalf during her Global Citizen Festival performance
“Sorry, I’m not sorry” 👀 pic.twitter.com/JzLXas9pBU
— NOTJUSTOK (@NOTJUSTOK) September 29, 2025