South African Afrobeats star Tyla has been going viral all across social media, with complaints of colorism. Thousands of Afrobeats and R&B music are upset that Tyla, who classifies herself as “Colored” and not “Black” appears to be pushed by the music industry, over other Black artists like Normani.
Well Media take Out learned that Tyla has heard the “colorism” complaints by fans of her music genre – and she’s standing up to them.
Many of Tyla’s critics are saying that she is getting “preference” over other artists. Tyla in her new song is telling her critics that the only preference that she’s getting – is from YOUR MAN.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 19: Tyla Seethal attends the H&M Mugler launch at 894 Lexington on April 19, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/WireImage)
In her new track Tyla specifically uses the word “preference” … a word used to criticize her … against her critics. Look:
Tyla is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Johannesburg, she signed with Epic Records in 2021 after the domestic success of her 2019 debut single, “Getting Late” featuring Kooldrink.
Tyla rose to international fame with the release of her 2023 single “Water”, which entered the top ten in sixteen countries including the United Kingdom and United States. “Water” was the first song by a South African soloist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 in 55 years and was awarded the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2024. Her self-titled debut album was released on 22 March 2024. Tyla has also earned nominations for a BRIT Award, a Soul Train Music Award, a MOBO Award, and two South African Music Awards.