South African songstress Tyla, whose hit “Water” has garnered her international acclaim, has stepped in to address online discussions surrounding her racial background. A recent flurry of social media comments questioned Tyla’s identity, with some fans speculating she was identified with being white or Indian.

Taking to her social media platform, Tyla clarified that she identifies as mixed race. Her heritage is a blend of Black South African (Zulu), Irish, and Mauritian/Indian ancestry. She acknowledges the complexities of racial categorization, explaining that within South Africa, she would be classified as “Coloured.” However, Tyla recognizes that internationally, she would be identified as a Black woman.

Throughout the statement, Tyla underscores that she has never downplayed her Black heritage. She highlights the fact that racial identities are often understood differently depending on the region. While acknowledging the term “Coloured” holds a specific weight in South Africa, Tyla recognizes it may not translate the same way elsewhere. To conclude the message, she firmly states her dual identity: “Coloured in South Africa and a black woman” everywhere else.