South Africans Are Criticising Tiwa Savage For Apologising On Behalf Of Tyla To African Americans

Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has faced significant backlash from South Africans following her attempt to apologize to African Americans on behalf of Grammy-winning artist Tyla.

A heated debate following Tyla’s self-identification as Coloured rather than Black has sparked conversations about race and cultural identity in South Africa and internationally.

In a recent interview, Tiwa attempted to ease tensions by apologizing to African Americans who felt offended by Tyla’s comments, portraying it as a misinterpretation stemming from Tyla’s inexperience.

Many South Africans were unhappy with her comments, which they saw as crossing a line and disrespecting Tyla’s personal experiences.

Nota Baloyi, a prominent music executive with a history of controversy, delivered a scathing response.

Tiwa is literally talking to her victims, with Nigerians willing to apologise for anything except being slave traders, thanks but no thanks. After releasing your own explicit video for publicity, you’ve really gone all out, but this trick won’t succeed either!

Nigerians will apologise for anything but being slave traders… She’s literally speaking to her victims, thanks but no thanks Tiwa. After leaking your own sextape for clout you really have tried it all, this stunt won’t work either! pic.twitter.com/SGdLeVCKx4

— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) September 25, 2025

Veteran broadcaster Penny Lebyane also weighed in, saying that Tiwa’s apology was a disrespect to Tyla and South African culture.

Tiwa Savage was being dismissive and disrespectful to Tyla, her identity, culture, and lived experience, in order to gain points with Americans through Tyla. She should have apologized to Beyoncé for the comments she made in the past. There was nothing Tyla did that warrants her apologizing.

The criticism went beyond celebrities, with many South Africans on social media wondering why Tiwa felt compelled to become involved in an issue deeply connected to South Africa’s racial past.

One Twitter user slammed her approach, writing: “And Tiwa Savage apologising to Americans on Tyla’s behalf? Tiwa, who isn’t South African and lacks the range or cultural experience to comment on SA race politics, is unfairly framing Tyla as ‘being young’ for standing up for her racial and cultural identity.

Everyone involved in this situation appears foolish because it’s unclear why the interviewers would question a Nigerian about South African history and racial categories, or why she would respond when it’s evident she has no knowledge of the subject.

Does Tiwa Savage even anything about the South African culture?!?!?! Tyla is a coloured in South Africa. They must just learn and understand it’s not an insult for a South African pic.twitter.com/KW7kPkPZz5

— Mageba (@Sadmethod) September 25, 2025