Grammy-winning South African sensation, Tyla, has broken her silence after Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage publicly apologized to Black Americans on her behalf over a controversial "coloured" statement

The drama began when Tyla described herself as “coloured,” a term that is widely embraced in South Africa to define people of mixed heritage, but one that carries a painful and offensive history in the United States.

The statement ignited backlash from African-Americans, particularly within the Black community.

In a surprising move, Tiwa Savage addressed the controversy during her appearance on The Breakfast Club, apologizing to African-Americans on Tyla’s behalf.

Tiwa explained that she saw herself as the younger star’s “elder” and felt the need to mend fences.

However, the apology didn’t sit well with many South Africans, who criticized Tiwa for “speaking out of turn” and misunderstanding the cultural context of the word in their country.

Tyla herself seemed to distance from the apology. While performing at the Global Citizen Festival in New York, she sent what many perceived as a direct response:
“Sorry, I am not sorry,” she declared before launching into her hit track Mr. Media.

Her statement immediately went viral, with South Africans flooding social media to applaud her for standing firm in her identity and refusing to let outsiders define it.

See some reactions and the video below

@MzansiWarrior___"I don't even listen to baby girl's music but I will defend her to the death. After AKA she's the only one using her influence to drive an unapologetically South African stance and she is doing it on an even bigger platform. True patriot"

@MbazoMamba___"SoRRRy I'm not soRRRy ...that was delivered in a South African accent. No DNA, just RSA 🇿🇦. No apology"

@OneWizkidfan___"I love the way she arches her back"

@lorrenzom___"She is authentic like that ,she is not willing dumb herself down to appease anyone"

@Sane73107612___"True south african this one"

@lee_mlam___"Was so proud of her"

“I’M NOT SORRY” period Tyla!!!!!! She never sent anyone to apologize on her behalf #GlobalCitizenFestival #TYLAxGlobalCitizen pic.twitter.com/KqVVMupfl1

— WE JUST ARRIVED (@TheeAzanian) September 27, 2025