Racism and Identity: Tyla Sparks Controversy with Her “Coloured” Identity

Racism has shaped discriminatory laws, practices, and actions against racial or ethnic groups throughout US history. Today, the controversy surrounding identity continues. Tyla, a South African singer, recently exploded onto the global music scene with her hit song “Water.” While her smooth R&B vocals and viral dance. Her moves caught her attention, and her self-description as “Coloured” ignited debate. Particularly in the United States. where the term has a painful, racist history and has fallen out of use. Tyla’s water caught prey to racism in the USA. 

In South Africa, the term “Coloured” carries a different meaning. Under apartheid, the regime used it . As a strategy to divide Coloured and Black South Africans, offering Coloured people slightly better jobs, housing, and benefits. Despite the end of apartheid, many Coloured South Africans still resist being labeled as Black. From that displacement, which tore families apart. A distinct culture emerged, characterized by unique music. Humor, and foods like koeksisters (syrup-soaked dough balls) and Gatsby sandwiches filled with chips and meat.

In June, during an interview with Tyla, US radio host Charlamagne tha God asked her to clarify the debates about her identity. The 22-year-old singer refused to engage at that moment. Later, in an online statement, she acknowledged the issue, saying, “I don’t expect to be identified as Coloured outside of South Africa by anyone uncomfortable doing so. I understand the weight of that word outside South Africa. But to close this conversation, I’m both Coloured in South Africa and a Black woman.”

Through this, Tyla navigates the complexities of identity, reflecting the broader challenges of reconciling history, culture, and personal expression in a globalized world.

Tyla’s statement highlights

Tyla’s statement highlights the tension between national identity and global perceptions. In South Africa, being “Coloured” is tied to a rich, complex history and culture. It represents a community shaped by apartheid, but also by resilience, pride, and creativity. However, in countries like the United States, where the term carries a heavy association with segregation and racism, its use sparks discomfort and confusion.

This clash between contexts shows how identity can mean vastly different things depending on geography and history. For Tyla, the label “Coloured” holds personal significance and cultural heritage in South Africa, while simultaneously being a source of controversy abroad. Her decision to embrace both identities—being Coloured in South Africa and a Black woman more broadly—illustrates the nuanced ways people navigate complex layers of identity, especially in an interconnected world.

The debate surrounding Tyla’s self-identification also brings attention to the global misunderstanding of South African racial categories. Terms like “Coloured” carry specific historical weight in South Africa, rooted in apartheid’s efforts to divide communities. Yet, these labels don’t translate directly to the US or other countries, where racial histories and experiences differ.

Through her rise in fame, Tyla is not just contributing to the global music scene; she is also opening conversations about race, identity, and cultural understanding. As her career grows, she will likely continue to challenge preconceived notions, both about herself and about the broader conversations on identity in the global context. In doing so, Tyla reminds us that identity is not static but shaped by history, culture, and personal experiences across different societies.