Tyla, Charlamagne, and the Identity Question That Shook the Internet

What Happened Between Tyla and Unc Char?

Grammy-winning South African artist Tyla found herself at the center of a cultural firestorm after a tense moment on The Breakfast Club. Host Charlamagne Tha God—aka Unc Char—asked Tyla about her racial identity, specifically her use of the term “Coloured,” a classification common in South Africa but controversial in the U.S.

The interview quickly went viral. Tyla declined to answer, her publicist intervened, and social media lit up with accusations that Charlamagne had overstepped, even “ruined” her career.

But Unc Char isn’t buying it. His response? “I asked a question. I didn’t ruin anything.”

Why Tyla’s “Coloured” Identity Sparked Global Debate

In South Africa, “Coloured” refers to a distinct mixed-race identity shaped by apartheid-era classifications. Tyla, who is of Zulu, Irish, Mauritian, Indian, and Coloured descent, has long identified with this label. But in the U.S., the term carries painful historical baggage, often seen as a slur.

This cultural disconnect triggered confusion and backlash, especially among American audiences unfamiliar with South African racial dynamics.

Did Charlamagne Derail Tyla’s Career?

Critics argue that Charlamagne’s question was insensitive and poorly timed, especially given Tyla’s rising global profile. Her EP We Wanna Party underperformed commercially, and some fans linked the backlash to her racial identity being misunderstood.

Charlamagne, however, maintains that asking hard questions is part of his job—and that Tyla’s team chose not to engage.

Tyla’s Clarification: “I’m Both Coloured and Black”

In follow-up interviews and social media posts, Tyla clarified her stance:

“I’m mixed with Black/Zulu, Irish, Mauritian/Indian, and Coloured. In South Africa, I’m classified as Coloured. In other places, I’m a Black woman. I’m both.”

She emphasized that race is classified differently across the world and urged fans to respect her lived experience.

What This Means for Global Identity Conversations

Tyla’s moment isn’t just about one artist—it’s a mirror reflecting how race, culture, and language collide in global media. It’s a reminder that identity isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that platforms must do better at holding space for nuance.

For South Africans, it’s also a chance to educate the world about the complexities of local identity. For Tyla, it’s proof that her voice matters—even when it’s misunderstood.