Tyla, a celebrated South African singer, and Grammy winner, has directly responded to allegations on social media questioning her black heritage. Amid claims from rival fans asserting that the 22-year-old singer is “white/Indian” rather than black, Tyla took to her X page to address the issue.
In her statement, Tyla clarified her diverse ancestry, which includes black/Zulu, Irish, Mauritian/Indian, and Coloured roots. She explained that within South Africa, she is classified as “Coloured,” a term used to denote a mixed-race heritage. However, outside of South Africa, she identifies as a black woman due to her mixed ancestry.
Tyla emphasized that she has never denied her blackness and acknowledged the varying racial classifications globally.
Her statement read: “I’ve never denied my blackness; I’m mixed with black/Zulu, Irish, Mauritian/Indian, and Coloured. In South Africa, I’m classified as a Coloured woman, and elsewhere, I’m considered a black woman. Race classification differs worldwide. I understand the weight of the term ‘Coloured’ outside South Africa and don’t expect others to use it. To conclude, I identify as both Coloured in South Africa and a black woman.”
