The user’s remark sparked an ongoing debate between Black Americans and South Africans as “colored” and “coloured” hold different meanings in both countries. In South Africa, “coloured” isn’t viewed as a racial slur but a term to label mixed-race citizens. However, in America, “colored” was used to group all Black Americans who were enslaved people.

South African comedian Dillan Oliphant said in a video, “The world is bigger than you. Black Americans are not the main characters everywhere, the world is not a Tyler Perry movie. This is Tyla’s movie, and in Tyla’s movie she identifies as a coloured… You can’t erase a whole identity to suit your comforts. Don’t be like the people who took you to America.”

Here are additional reactions from fans of both sides who shared their thoughts on the racial differences in America and South Africa.

Over here, in the US, we call people like Tyla “mixed” or “biracial”. If yall wanna call her “coloured” elsewhere, that’s fine. But don’t insult us because we’ve evolved from that term.

— mini 🩵🪽 (@_KayRie) November 20, 2023

No one in the USA white or Black American media is going to call her "coloured" lol. She will be called South African here, and you all know that. We know she isn't Black. But we don't use "coloured, colored" here. Tyla is South African, thee end.

— FrenchieRae (@FrenchieRae) November 20, 2023

I would like to point out, this aint even Tyla’s fault. Mama somewhere pouring water on herself. She hasnt even uttered a word. A mess.

— WE SUING (@kay_suigeneris) November 20, 2023

The worst thing about Tyla blowing up outside of South Africa is Black Americans doing identity Olympics and completely disregarding Tyla's cultural identity because of their superiority complex regarding what 'Coloured' means to them.

— sim simma (@leizenomis) November 20, 2023

African Diaspora

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