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Tyrese Gibson Defends Tyla Amid ‘Coloured’ Identity Debate

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Photo: Instagram

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.

Read Also: Tyla Set for AfroNation Festival Performance in Portugal

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. 

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Msaki, Sjava, Mafikizolo and Busiswa Headline Tribute To Women 2026

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Photo: Instagram/@Sjava @Mafikizolo

Some of South Africa’s most celebrated music acts will headline Tribute To Women 2026, which returns to Mark’s Park in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, on 29 August. The annual event will bring together music, culture and community as part of Women’s Month commemorations.

Photo: Instagram/@Busiswa

This year’s edition coincides with the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to the Union Buildings. The programme recognises the women whose actions helped shape South Africa’s history while highlighting artists and initiatives that continue to contribute to the country’s cultural landscape.

Singer-songwriter Msaki leads the line-up alongside award-winning musician Sjava, whose blend of Afro-soul, hip hop and traditional influences has earned him a loyal following.

Photo: Instagram/@Mafikizolo

Award-winning duo Mafikizolo also return with a catalogue spanning more than two decades. They are joined by Busiswa, whose work across house, amapiano and dance music has made her a familiar name on festival and concert stages.

The programme also includes Nomfundo Moh, joining a line-up that features artists from different generations and genres. From Afro-pop and soulful music to house and amapiano, the festival offers a broad mix of performances for audiences.

Photo: Instagram

Beyond the live performances, Tribute To Women 2026 includes women-owned market stalls, family-friendly activities, mentorship opportunities and creative industry workshops. The organisers say these initiatives are designed to support women entrepreneurs and creatives while encouraging greater community participation.

Another highlight of this year’s event will be the recognition of Mama Mildred Mangxola, founding member of the Mahotella Queens. The honour acknowledges her contribution to South African music and celebrates a career that has influenced generations of performers.

Photo: Instagram/@Sjava

Dr Criselda Kananda, ambassador for Tribute To Women and chairperson of the Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation, says the event connects the legacy of the Women’s March with present-day conversations through music and cultural activities. According to the organisers, the festival also encourages continued support for women-led businesses, artists and community initiatives beyond Women’s Month.

With established stars, contemporary performers and a programme extending beyond the concert stage, Tribute To Women 2026 brings together live music, cultural activities and community engagement as it marks Women’s Month.

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Tamia Durban Concert Moves to Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium

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Photo: Facebook/Tamia

Tamia’s Durban concert will now take place at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. The event was planned for the Durban ICC on 7 August 2026, but has now been moved after the ICC became unavailable. The date remains unchanged.

The change comes as Durban prepares to welcome important personalities for a summit. To make the event stress-free, organisers chose a venue capable of holding an event like this. Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium was selected because of its capacity and ability to host major events.

Photo: Facebook/Tamia

Durban ICC executive officer Lindiwe Rakharebe said the decision was with the interest of all stakeholders. He said : 

“The Durban ICC is honoured to host the forthcoming SADC Heads of State and Government Summit, an event of immense significance for our region,”

Read Also: Events to Look Forward to in South Africa This July

Organisers confirmed that all tickets purchased for the Durban ICC remain valid. Attendees will receive the next available seats based on their original booking, while entry information will be shared before the concert. This will make the transition very smooth. 

Demand for Tamia’s South African tour has been strong since tickets went on sale in April. Songs to be performed at the event are Officially Missing You, So Into You, Stranger in My House, Still, and Spend My Life with You

Photo: Facebook/Tamia

Tamia’s Durban performance is among a three-city South African Women’s Month tour. It starts in Cape Town and ends in Pretoria. 

The Durban concert will feature Zonke and Sjava, adding a local touch to the event. The artists invited will entertain the crowd. 

Organisers have assured fans that the experience will be worth it. Every promise is expected to be delivered to the Stadium. Fans should check the organisers’ official communication channels for more information.

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Tyla’s Lagos Concert Dropped from APOP World Tour Schedule Amid Boycott Backlash

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Photo: Instagram

Tyla’s planned Lagos concert has been removed from the public schedule of her APOP World Tour. This happened following several days of backlash and boycott calls in Nigeria. The Lagos date has disappeared from the official tour website

The concert was scheduled for 22 December 2026. The tour supports her second studio album, APOP, which was released on 24 July 2026. It begins in Paris on 12 October before moving across Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and Africa. Although Lagos has been removed, the concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg will continue.

The removal was as a result of how many opposed the concert over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa. Many argued that Tyla should not perform in Nigeria because she said nothing about the situation. The death of a Nigerian, Chika Ibeh during a police operation in Cape Town and the alleged denial of Ayra Star Visa didn’t help matters.

Photo: Instagram

Activist VeryDarkMan is against bringing Tyla to the country. In his words

“There will be no Tyla show in Nigeria, it is not happening,” 

He added that members of the Ratel Movement would mobilise against the concert if it isn’t cancelled.

 “If you continue with the show, we will come there and we will bring it down. We don’t care what will happen. We don’t want Tyla,” 

Read Also: Tyla Officially Releases A*POP

Writer Solomon Buchi, broadcaster Do2dtun, and singer Jaywon also criticised the planned show. Senator Natasha Akpoti asked the Nigerian government to act. She said:

“I call on the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Government of Nigeria to review the visa applications of South African artistes and their entourages in accordance with the principle of reciprocity in foreign policy”

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore opposed the idea. He blamed leaders of both countries. 

Nigerians should direct their anger at their real enemies, the criminal leaders like @officialABAT along its @OfficialAPCNg party who destroyed our country, reduced our people to second-class citizens across Africa and the rest of the world, and the irresponsible South African leaders like @CyrilRamaphosa whose failures helped create the conditions for xenophobic violence,” 

Photo: Instagram

He said artists should not carry responsibility for diplomatic or political disputes between countries. 

Neither Tyla nor her management has explained why the Lagos concert is no more there. Tyla has worked with Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems. Supporters of the singer believe the connection between Nigeria and South African musicians should continue, while critics argue that accountability is important.

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