Tyla Seemingly Shades Tiwa Savage At Global Citizen: “Sorry, Not Sorry” Leaves Mzansi Screaming

Yoh! The Global Citizen Concert in New York turned into a subtle shade-fest after South Africa’s very own Grammy-winning star Tyla seemingly dragged Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage right on stage.

The Water hitmaker was one of the most anticipated performers at the star-studded event on Saturday, 27 September 2025 — and trust sis to deliver vocals, visuals, and a sprinkle of drama.

The Build-Up: Tiwa Tries To Speak “For” Tyla

Now, let’s rewind.  Tiwa Savage had the timeline buzzing last week when she referred to herself as Tyla’s “elder” and decided to apologise to Americans “on behalf of Tyla” after the SA star stirred debate by openly identifying as coloured while in the U.S.

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That apology didn’t sit well with Mzansi, who felt Tiwa was overstepping. Many South Africans dragged her for undermining Tyla, saying she had no business speaking on her identity.

Water Hitmaker Hits Back

Fast forward to Global Citizen: While introducing her track Mr Media, sis added a spicy twist. She looked out at the crowd and said: “Sorry, I am not sorry.”

Now, if you know the lyrics, the song is all about people constantly chatting trash about her — and sis should be meaner in response. But given the timing, fans are convinced this was a direct clapback to Tiwa’s so-called “elder apology.”

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The crowd gagged, the internet exploded, and South Africans said what needed to be said: Tyla is nobody’s lil’ sister.

Social Media Reacts

Twitter/X was in full chaos mode after clips of the performance went viral:

• @Iam_NBF: “Uyadelela uTyla 😭🤣🤣 into engihlekile.”
• @jupitervenom: “Catch it miss ‘eLdEr.’”
• @The_Sojourner__: “She knows we got her. She’s not sorry. Bazoba strong.”
• @caratopp: “Not our girl doing the elderly like that 🤭”
• @ZemveloT: “It’s just a matter of time before she tells them ‘niyangidakelwa.’”

Mzansi is screaming, Naija Twitter is side-eyeing, and Tyla? She’s out here reminding the world: She’s young, she’s global, and she’s definitely not sorry.

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