The story of young global sensation Tyla Seethal like many others, has been filled with ups and downs, as navigating both local and international audiences has proven to be quite the challenge. Her American audience, in particular, has not been impressed with the way the youngster has carried herself recently.
This comes after an incident at the recent MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) where the ‘Water’ hit-maker requested popular American artist Lil Nas X to hold her Moonman award during her acceptance speech as it was too heavy for her to hold. However, the angle of the video that was circulating made it seem as if Tyla was handing the statuette to Halle Bailey, which the American users did not take kindly to, stating that Tyla was treating other celebrities like the help.
I’m crying Halle was NOT ABOUT to hold her award NO MA’AM ???? pic.twitter.com/zNeSjjC9eD
— Armon Wiggins (@ArmonWiggins) September 12, 2024
This incident, along with Tyla politely declining a dance with Usher during his concert led to a full-blown controversy, users stated that the young artist has failed to assimilate into American culture, referring to her as an ‘uppity African’.
Hey I don’t think I like TYLA’s personality I think someone needs to check her cus she doesn’t understand American Culture AT ALL..she almost gives off entitled or uppity African idk how to explain it but it’s very off putting and it’s almost like she expects people to just fall…
— Armon Wiggins (@ArmonWiggins) September 12, 2024
In retaliation, the ‘Best Afrobeats’ winner changed her profile header to ‘Entitled uppity African’ to send a clear message that she is unshaken by the negativity that has been surrounding her name and brand.
Suffocate them TYLA , since that’s the culture they understand , give them what they want . pic.twitter.com/w5k00zsYvk
— Thulani Mathebula ?? (@chrisreymond89) September 13, 2024
Tyla’s fans, who are referred to as ‘Tygers’ have been in her corner, setting the record straight, stating that Tyla is merely a confident young woman, which is what is upsetting the American audience. In a shocking turn of events, Showmax has joined the Tyla defence force and has taken the petty route by adding an ‘Uppity African’ category on their app. This category includes shows that are centred around luxury or obscene displays of wealth, in honour of Tyla.
Showmax has a created a “Uppity Africans” category in honour of Tyla. pic.twitter.com/nFiMkC1pp9
— Tygers Access (@TygersAccess) September 16, 2024
Also see: Tygers school YouTuber Armon Wiggns on his salty take on Tyla
