Although 2024 resulted in one of the biggest global breakthroughs by any international artist for mzansi’s very own pretty girl from Joburg, Tyla wasn’t without its challenges as she was met with significant opposition and backlash linked to the politics of her identity.
One could spend an entire day listing all of Tyla’s achievements and milestones from this year alone, as 2024 proved to be the year of Tyla supremacy, seeing her rise to superstar status early in her career. The impact the young South African has had is like no other, and the proof is in the pudding as she has collected major awards just like Thanos does infinity stones.
Being a South African trying to break into various audiences has proven to be a difficult feat for the ‘Push 2 Start’ hitmaker, particularly with the American audience as her identification as a ‘coloured’ woman has rubbed them the wrong way, which has resulted in consistent backlash and criticism towards everything Tyla has achieved or pursued.
Despite this, Tyla has still managed to sell out multiple shows, including her homecoming tour with one leg taking place in Cape Town and the other set to take place in her home town, Johannesburg.
Tyla addressed some of the hate and resistance she has been subjected to online, poking fun at the critics and calling her fans uppity Africans, referencing an instance when an American ‘hater’ referred to Tyla as such when criticising her.
@n0twednesday this diva?? where’s my uppity Africans? #tyla #tylaconcert #uppityafricans#SAMA28 #capetown ♬ original sound – Ty
This slightly shady moment by Tyla was commended by her fans and supporters as they believe that the youngster handled the situation with pure class and grace while also showing that the unwarranted criticism has not dimmed her light in any way. Furthermore, her supporters continue to gush about her electrifying performance, giving Tyla her flowers for her consistency and perseverance.
A thread of my favourite videos I took from the Tyla concert in Cape Town –
1. Her jaw dropping entrance to Jump pic.twitter.com/rhd8qo34P9— TY ☆ (@tyreserooi) December 6, 2024
Also see: Kabza de Small and Sjava emerge on top as most streamed SA artists on Spotify
