South African singer Tyla has responded to speculation surrounding her interaction with Rihanna at the 2026 Met Gala after a short clip from the event circulated widely on social media.
The footage, shared across TikTok and X, showed Rihanna walking past Tyla outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Social media users quickly began speculating that Rihanna had ignored the “Water” singer during the event.

Tyla – Instagram

Tyla has now addressed the rumours, explaining that the moment was not as serious as many online users assumed.
Speaking in a TikTok video posted after the event, the singer said the interaction felt “awkward” from her side because she considers Rihanna one of her idols.

Tyla explained that she hesitated to approach the star because Rihanna appeared busy during the evening.
“Everyone knows I love RiRi,” Tyla said while responding to the online reactions. She also recalled an earlier meeting with Rihanna, explaining that their previous interaction was also brief because the singer had to leave during their conversation.
Rather than suggesting tension between them, Tyla described both encounters as unfortunate timing.

Rihanna – Instagram

She explained that at this year’s Met Gala, she again chose not to interrupt Rihanna because the singer seemed occupied. Tyla added that if they eventually have a proper conversation, she would prefer it to happen in a calmer environment away from cameras and social media commentary.

The clip became a major talking point following this year’s Met Gala, with thousands of social media users commenting on the interaction. While some accused Rihanna of being dismissive, others argued the moment had been misinterpreted online.

The discussion also emerged alongside separate speculation involving Rihanna and A$AP Rocky after another post-event video prompted rumours about the couple. Several entertainment outlets later reported that the pair were exhausted after a long evening of appearances and interviews.

Tyla – Instagram

Despite the online debate, Tyla’s response made it clear that there was no issue between the two singers. The star, who attended this year’s Met Gala in a custom Valentino look designed by Alessandro Michele, has previously spoken about Rihanna’s influence on her career.
Tyla’s explanation has since helped calm speculation surrounding the viral moment, with many fans praising the singer for directly addressing the rumours.

Focalistic has become the first African musician to co-design an Adidas South Africa sneaker collection. The partnership was announced through the launch of the “FocaForum 2000,” an event which will take place on April 24,2026.

The collaboration marks a significant milestone for Focalistic and African music culture. Adidas Originals has previously worked with Beyoncé and Kanye West. This makes Focalistic’s inclusion historic partnership.

Photo: Instagram

The sneaker is based on the Adidas Forum silhouette, originally released in 1984 as a basketball shoe. Focalistic’s version introduces black premium leather and gold accents connected to Pretoria and Ga Rankuwa. One of the standout design details is a map of Ga Rankuwa embedded into the sneaker design, while other features include the Union Buildings and his “Straata Nation” movement.

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The collection also includes graphic T-shirts designed around Focalistic’s personal branding and identity. Some of the shirts feature street map graphics from Pretoria, while others include adidas Trefoil branding mixed with “18” and “Focalistic” graphics. The clothing pieces follow designs inspired by South African street fashion and amapiano culture.

Photo: Instagram

Focalistic described the project as an extension of his long running “Pitori to the World” message. He said he wanted people from townships and local communities to feel pride in their background.

‘Pitori to the world’ has always been about exporting our culture and showing where we come from. The FocaForum 2000 is an extension of that vision. Something people can physically experience. It’s about taking something personal and turning it into something the world can hold. I want people to feel luxury in where they come from. To know that their story is valid.” ~ Focalistic“

The release highlights how amapiano artists are influencing global fashion. Since breaking into the mainstream with songs like “Ke Star,” Focalistic has risen from Pretoria rapper to international amapiano figure. This has made him one of the genre’s most recognisable artists worldwide.

Prince Kaybee has weighed in on the credibility of music awards after Zee Nxumalo snub at the Metro FM Music Awards 2026 held in Durban. His response came after Nxumalo failed to secure a single win. In a public reaction, Kaybee dismissed the importance of awards, stating that they “don’t mean anything.”

Nxumalo breakout single “Funk 55” achieved 5 times platinum certification in South Africa, while her releases maintained strong performance on streaming platforms. She secured seven nominations at the Metro FM Music Awards. She was nominated in the Artist of the year, Best female artists, Best styled artists, Best music video, Best Gqom, Best maskandi and Best Lekompo categories. Despite this, she did not win in any category.

Photo: Instagram

She wrote on her X page:

“God, you’re confusing me. I just lost 7 awards, but my new EP is doing WELL, what must happen?” 

Kaybee argued that artists who rely on awards for validation place their careers in systems they cannot control. Judging panels, internal processes, and voting structures, he suggested, are not always transparent.

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The Awards ceremony was meant to celebrate achievements in different genres. However, the aftermath has been dominated by questions of credibility. Meanwhile, Somizi Mhlongo, a media personality, encouraged Nxumalo to remain focused.

Photo: Instagram

“Two things, and I’m going to be honest with you. In life, there’s something called your journey. You need to keep your eye on the prize, and your prize is who you are now and who you’re going to become moving forward,” he said.”

Kaybee’s comments show a broader sentiment within parts of the music industry, where award outcomes are increasingly questioned. The Zee Nxumalo snub is now part of a larger conversation about transparency and evolving standards of success within the South African music industry.