Tyrese Gibson has backed Tyla after fresh criticism over her use of the term “Coloured” to describe her identity. The debate resurfaced after the South African singer addressed the backlash during an appearance on Apple Music’s The Ebro Show. Gibson defended Tyla, saying many people outside South Africa do not understand the country’s racial and cultural context.

During the interview, Tyla explained that people from her community are classified as “Coloured”. However, in the United States, the meaning differs. In her words :

“Initially it was very difficult because prior to ‘The Breakfast Club’, I did answer that question and already I started getting backlash. And I was like, ‘Whoa’, I don’t know what else to say about it because I never had to explain myself,” 

“You know, I was just always myself and living. At the time, 22 years of my life, all I knew was that I’m Coloured and that’s what I was told.”

Photo: Instagram

Tyla stressed that being colored is part of her culture, but she understands why the word upsets many people. The singer said the experience gave her a better understanding about how races are interpreted.

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Tyrese Gibson came to Tyla’s aid on social media. He said he was surprised by the amount of criticism Tyla got and questioned the “selective outrage.” Gibson argued that many critics failed to understand South Africa’s history before judging Tyla. He said:

“I didn’t say anything but I was definitely shocked at the beatdown online and found myself feeling sad to see her career take a hit,” 

Photo: Instagram

Gibson said visiting South Africa opened his eyes about the country’s culture and history. He urged people to understand South Africa’s racial classifications before criticising Tyla. He explained; 

“I’ve been to South Africa at least eight times. Do your research on apartheid. All of the trauma that apartheid inflicted and is still inflicting to this day on Africans.”

Controversies like this are not new. Similar discussions came up in 2024 after an interview on The Breakfast Club. Tyla released a statement saying she didn’t deny being Black. 

These discussions highlight how racial identity is understood differently across countries. Many South Africans argue that Tyla’s identity should be interpreted within South Africa’s historical and social context. 

Mathew Knowles said that Destiny’s Child fans could soon hear new music from the group. The former manager of the trio announced that a collection of previously unreleased remixes will arrive within the next 30 days. This will give fans fresh versions of their songs after over two decades after their commercial peak.

Knowles shared the news during an interview on SiriusXM’s Page Six Radio. He explained that the upcoming project will include dance versions, urban remixes and collaborations with guest rappers. He teased that, 

“What we’re doing now is we’re about to market a bunch of new remixes. Some you’ve never heard before from Destiny’s Child,”

Photo: Instagram

He hinted that they will keep the original vocals from Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

Knowles confirmed Missy Elliott will be on one of the remixes. While he didn’t reveal other names, he said more guest artists are involved in the project. Missy Elliott has worked with Destiny’s Child. In his words ;

“Now, we have some guest rappers on it, but the girls are on it. And then there’s, you know, there’s some that are dance mixes and then there’s some that are just regular urban mixes. So, there’s a combination. And we have so much music that hasn’t been put out yet on Destiny’s Child.”

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According to Knowles, the group still has a large archive of unreleased material. He suggested that these recordings have remained untouched for years and will soon be released. The project focuses on reimagining classic Destiny’s Child tracks. 

Photo: Instagram

This is the first Destiny’s Child remix release since This Is the Remix in 2002. It featured collaborations with Wyclef Jean and Timbaland. 

Although the group officially ended after releasing Destiny Fulfilled in 2004 and completing its tour in 2005, they came together several times. Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams performed at Beyoncé’s Super Bowl halftime show in 2013. They were seen at Coachella in 2018, and also during the final show of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour in 2025. 

Photo: Instagram

The group celebrated the anniversary of The Writing’s on the Wall, which had hits like “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Bug a Boo,” and “Say My Name.” While Knowles did not confirm an official release date, album title or track list, his comments suggest it won’t be long. 

Tyla has confirmed that Babalwa M and MaWhoo will feature on her sophomore album, APOP*. The announcement came a day after Tyla unveiled the album’s lineup. Alongside Swedish artist Zara Larsson, the inclusion of Babalwa M and MaWhoo shows that Tyla is committed to working with top musical talents. 

The collaborations are split across two songs on the album. MaWhoo appears on “Crazy Of Me,” while Babalwa M features on “I Don’t Care.” Their names came as a shock to many because Tyla had kept most of the album’s guest appearances under wraps. Until the reveal, Zara Larsson was the only officially confirmed collaborator.

MaWhoo is known for her Afro house skills. This made her one of South Africa’s most streamed female vocalists. Babalwa M is also a successful collaborator within the amapiano and 3 Step scenes. By bringing both artists onto APOP*Tyla has kept local influences at the center of the project. 

Photo: Instagram

MaWhoo had already hinted at the collaboration before the official announcement. During an interview on YFM, she revealed that she had recorded a song with Tyla and didn’t elaborate. 

“So I did a song with Tyla as well, it’s actually an amazing song and I’m excited,” she said.

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Tyla explained that the album embraces international pop, R&B and dance music she grew up listening to. Tyla has described APOP* as an effort to show that African music belongs within global pop. In an interview with Kreative Korner, she said, 

“My first album, I feel like I really honoured my African roots, and this one I wanted to honour not only that but also just what I enjoyed as a child, what I grew up listening to. As South Africans, we’re influenced by so many different genres, and as Tyla, I wanted to show myself more,” 

Photo: Instagram

APOP* is scheduled for release on July 24, 2026 through FAX Records and Epic Records. The album contains 14 tracks, including previously released singles such as “Chanel,” “Is It,” “Is It Love,” and “She Did It Again”. Tyla has also hosted exclusive listening events ahead of the release, building anticipation among fans worldwide.

These collaborations represent one of the biggest international opportunities for both artists. Tyla is one of Africa’s most successful global artists, and featuring on APOP* gives both singers exposure to international audiences.