Despite her meteoric rise to global stardom, Grammy Award-winning singer Tyla is currently under scrutiny from South African social media users who are questioning whether her music truly resonates with local audiences. The debate, which has taken off on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has sparked a nationwide conversation about authenticity, global appeal, and musical identity.
The controversy began when a user with the handle shared a candid opinion, stating that she has never enjoyed Tyla’s music. This simple post opened the floodgates for a wave of reactions, with many South Africans echoing similar sentiments. Some users expressed that while Tyla’s vocals are strong and her global success admirable, her music feels “too Western” and disconnected from South African sonic roots.
“Majority of South Africans don’t really listen to Tyla 😭,” one user wrote, “hence I say Tyla is not big in south africa come for me I’d you like.” And another wrote, “Fair but you’d be dishonest if you said she’s a bad singer. Tyla doesn’t have a bad song.”
Others argued that her sound reflects her brand—polished, modern, and globally marketable—and shouldn’t be boxed into one genre or national expectation. Younger fans quickly came to her defense, celebrating her crossover success and reminding critics that she’s opening doors for South African artists on the world stage.
At just 22, Tyla has achieved what few South African artists have. Her breakout hit “Water” topped international charts, and she has since released collaborations with Gunna, Sean Paul, and Travis Scott. Her debut album further solidified her status as a global pop force. She has also received accolades like the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance and a BET Award, making her one of the most decorated young artists from the continent.
Still, critics argue that her brand of pop-leaning Amapiano-fusion might be alienating for fans who crave a sound that is distinctly South African, such as Amapiano or Afro-house.
As she continues to climb international charts, the question remains: Can Tyla strike the perfect balance between global appeal and local identity? Time—and her next release—may tell.
They can never make me listen to your music.😭😭😭😩🙆🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/ViueJ3GzA7
— Minister of retweets(reposts)🔄 (@Buhlenomuhle) May 12, 2025
