Tyla dismisses Rihanna comparisons, Embraces Black identity

Tyla dismisses Rihanna comparisons, Embraces Black identity

South African singer, Tyla, did a revealing interview with Cosmopolitan magazine. She has opened up about her identity and the complexities of her mixed heritage. Tyla addressed a previous controversy sparked by her use of the term “Coloured” on TikTok. She explained the term’s cultural significance in South Africa. However, it contrasts with the term’s painful connotations in the United States.

The term “Coloured” in South Africa refers to a multiracial community with a diverse ancestry. This includes Black African, Indian, Asian, and White. The community has its own distinct language and customs. Thus, it’s a legacy of the country’s complex colonial and apartheid history. Tyla’s use of the term was meant to reflect her personal identity, rooted in this specific cultural context.

“I’m happy there’s a conversation happening and that people are learning that Africa is more than just Black and white,” Tyla stated. Tyla was addressing the dialogue her comments initiated. She expressed contentment that the discussion has brought global attention to the Coloured community. So, she acknowledged the messiness of identity politics but appreciating the increased awareness.

Addressing accusations of denying her Blackness, Tyla clarified, “I never said I am not Black. It’s just that I grew up as a South African knowing myself as Coloured.” She emphasized that her identity is multifaceted, being both mixed-race and Black, advocating for an inclusive understanding of identity as “and,” not “or.”

Moreover, Tyla expressed her discomfort with comparisons to established artists like Rihanna, underscoring her desire to carve out her unique path in the music industry. “I’m doing something no one’s done,” she declared, signaling her intent to pioneer her own style and sound without being shadowed by others’ achievements.

Source: Cosmopolitan

Tyla dismisses Rihanna comparisons, Embraces Black identity