Tyla has spoken out about her identity after she previously received backlash for calling herself “colored.”
The “Water” singer first called herself a “colored South African” in a TikTok back in 2020 which later resurfaced in 2023 with many people pointing out that the word “colored” was previously used as a negative term in the United States to describe Black people.
However, in the March 2025 issue of British Vogue, published, the singer addressed the negative feedback she received. She recalled feeling like she had “no control” at the time.
“People took it and… It just went so far that I didn’t know what to do. The way people painted me… And I understand that word is a sensitive word to people, so I don’t blame people for being touched about it. I just would have wanted an opportunity for people to actually truly listen and learn.”
Tyla
Tyla was previously asked about the incident back in June 2024, but she refused to speak on it at the time. “Me choosing not to say anything, I’m happy that I didn’t,” she told British Vogue about the radio show appearance.
“I didn’t want to explain my culture and something that is really important to me on a platform that is just going to be purposefully misconstrued.
“I’ve explained it a lot of times before, but people took that and put words in my mouth. They said a whole bunch of things that I never said and ran with it.”
Tyla
She explained South Africa experienced its own period of segregation where anyone who wasn’t white was classified as “colored.”
“They chose to call people that were mixed ‘colored.’ And I’m not gonna lie, it was hard because all my life, obviously I knew ‘I’m Black’ but also knew that ‘I’m colored’.
“So when I went to America and people were like, ‘You can’t say that!’ I was in a position where I was like, ‘Oh, so what do I do? What am I then?’”
Tyla
The “Truth or Dare” singer said this wasn’t the first time she’s questioned her identity as she recalled receiving negative comments about both her hair and skin color in elementary school. “I went to a very white primary school,” she said.
“I really hated myself. And then I went to high school, which was predominantly Black and cultured, and that’s where I actually grew to love myself and became really proud of who I am.”
Tyla
Since the backlash first started, Tyla admitted that she acknowledges that there will still be people who don’t fully understand her explanation but she feels comfortable with her own identity at this point.
“I’m at a point where I know who I am. I know I’m a Black woman and I know I’m a colored woman as well and you can be both. And the people that care to learn, they understand now. And that’s enough for me.”
Tyla
Tyla Dominates the Spotify Global Impact 2025 List
Spotify’s Global Impact List dropped, and leading the pack with 12 songs on the South African edition is none other than Tyla.
This list showcases the top artists making waves outside of Mzansi, solidifying the global reach of local artists and their music.
The talented singer-songwriter has dominated the list with an impressive 12 songs in the top 25. From collaborations to solo work, it’s safe to say that Tyla’s unique “amapiano” sound has struck a chord with listeners around the world.
Most of her songs from her debut self-titled album made it to the list, “Jump” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng leads the pack, followed by her other hit singles “ART”, “Push 2 Start” and No.1 featuring Nigerian sensation, Tems.
“On My Body,” featuring US singer and actress Beck G, “Breathe Me,” “Priorities,” and “Intro,” featuring Kelvin Momo, also made it to the list.
An honorable mention from the deluxe version, “Back To You,” is also on the Spotify Global Impact list, as well as “One Call,” a collaboration with Omah Lay and Spinall.
Tyla’s genre-bending style, which blends R&B, pop, and amapiano, is infectious and addictive. And with Spotify’s nod, it’s clear that she’s not a one-hit-wonder and is here to stay.
The Grammy Award-winning sensation is not the only South African artist making a splash on the list. Other notable mentions include Tyler ICU, Chley, and DJ Maphorisa, who also represents Mzansi’s vibrant music scene.
The most exciting thing about Tyla’s dominance on the Global Impact List is what it says about the future of music and how it’s evolving. Artists like her are pushing boundaries and shaping the sound of tomorrow.
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