Penny Lebyane Drags Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage For “Disrespecting” Tyla With Surprise Apology To Americans

The ladies are fighting across borders! South African radio star Penny Lebyane has called out Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage for what she calls a “disrespectful” stunt during Tiwa’s recent interview on The Breakfast Club in the US.

Tiwa shocked Mzansi when she apologised to Black Americans on behalf of Tyla, after the Jump hitmaker identified herself as Coloured rather than Black — a term with very different meaning and history in South Africa.

Tiwa Savage’s “Elder” Move 

On the show, Tiwa claimed she understood why Black Americans were upset, calling the term Coloured “derogatory” in their context.

“I would get why that would be such a huge thing here, because of the history behind that name. I felt for her because she is young and I do not think she meant to come across like that.”

Then, without Tyla asking for it, Tiwa took things a step further:

“Where I’m from, when something like this happens, the elder would come and speak ‘on behalf of… we apologise’. So if that was not communicated, I would like to say on behalf of her [Tyla], we apologise. We did not mean it, forgive us.”

@thewavng Tiwa Savage Apologies on Behalf of Tyla. Afrobeats Queen & RnB singer, Tiwa Savage has defended South African pop star in a recent Breakfast Club interview. Tiwa, who said she felt for Tyla, when asked about her thoughts on the latter’s “Coloured” comments explained that she understands why Tyla’s comments would be such a big deal in America, especially because of the history of the word in America in relation to Black/ African Americans. Tiwa said she does not believe it came from a bad place, but in her culture, in this kind of situation, an elder will come and say “on behalf of this person, we are sorry.” Therefore Tiwa Savage, on behalf of Tyla is sorry for whatever hurt the African and wider American community may have felt for her comments. What do we think of Tiwa’s apology? Is it in her place to apologize on behalf of Tyla? Let us know in the comments! #afrobeats #music #tiwasavage #tylawaterchallenge #afropop @tiwasavage @hernametyla ♬ original sound – The.WavNG

Sis really put herself in the family elder seat — and Mzansi was not impressed.

Penny Lebyane Pulls No Punches 

Penny Lebyane wasted no time dragging Tiwa on X (formerly Twitter): “Tiwa Savage wa spita (too forward). [She was] disrespectful to Tyla’s identity, culture, lived experience and agency. She wants to score points with Americans via Tyla. She should’ve apologised to Beyoncé for the utterances she’s made in the past. Tyla did nothing that needs her to apologise.”

Translation? Mind your business, sis.

Mzansi Backs Penny

South Africans quickly jumped in to defend Tyla and roast Tiwa:

@LauDlamini fumed: “The way I’m so livid. She even calls herself our elder. What the helly!”

@MzansiWarrior shaded: “She’s a typical African from a failed state, the type Americans are comfortable with. The opposite of what Tyla is — an uppity African.”

@lebomathlo questioned: “Why is she saying we in Nigeria there are no Coloureds? When did she become spokesperson for South Africans?”

@tasar_gul61734 added: “Tiwa’s critique felt forced and missed the mark. Tyla’s success is her own, and dragging identity into it just to score points seems off.”

Mzansi is standing 10 toes down for Tyla — and Tiwa’s attempt to “soften up” to the Americans is getting a big no thanks from this side of the continent.

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