Tyla Fans Reject Tiwa Savage’s ‘Elder Apology’

Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage has found herself at the centre of a heated debate after she stepped into Tyla’s ongoing racial identity row.

Speaking on “The Breakfast Club” podcast last Thursday, 25 September, Savage acknowledged the hurtful history of the word “coloured” in America but explained its different meaning in South Africa. She then apologised “on behalf of” the Grammy-winning songstress, saying: “If that wasn’t communicated, on her behalf, I apologise, forgive us.”

Her remarks were intended as an act of cultural respect, drawing from Nigerian tradition where elders often apologise for younger people. But many South Africans swiftly rejected the gesture, arguing she had no standing to speak on their country’s history or Tyla’s behalf.

One user on X/Twitter remarked: “Tiwa Savage must never ever, under no circumstances, speak on behalf of any South African.”

Tyla herself appeared to respond on Saturday, 27 September, during her Global Citizen Festival performance in New York City, New York, declaring: “Sorry, I am not sorry.”

The moment was hailed by fans as a defiant rejection of Savage’s intervention, with many praising the 23-year-old for asserting her independence in the face of mounting scrutiny.

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