Tyla Reflects on her South African ‘Coloured’ Identity: Embracing her Blackness

Tyla later took to X to clarify her thoughts on the matter. She addressed the confusion by stating, “Never denied my Blackness, idk where that came from… I’m mixed with Black/Zulu, Irish, Mauritian/Indian, and Coloured.” She went on to explain that in South Africa, she is seen as a “Coloured woman,” whereas in other places she would be viewed as Black.

Tyla further elaborated that she does not expect to be identified as Coloured outside of South Africa by those who are not comfortable with using that term. However, she emphasized that in the context of their conversation, she identifies as both Coloured in South Africa and as a Black woman.

Overall, Tyla’s statement highlights the complexity of racial identity and how it can vary depending on geographic location and cultural context. It is important to acknowledge and respect the multiple facets of one’s identity, especially in a diverse and multicultural society like South Africa.