After the social media uproar caused by Tyla asking Lil Nas X and Halle Bailey to help her hold her “Moonman” statuette at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), Americans have been sharing their think-pieces on how they feel about the amapiano superstar’s personality.
One X user, @AmonWiggins, went as far as calling Tyla an “uppity African.”
“Hey, I don’t think I like TYLA’s personality. I think someone needs to check her 'cause she doesn’t understand American culture AT ALL.
“She almost gives off entitled or uppity African vibes. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s very off-putting, and it’s almost like she expects people to just fall at her feet,” he said.
He was not the only one who shared those views. Another user, @Dyshieke, added, “Tyla definitely gives snobbish African vibes.”
Despite the drama and backlash, the Grammy Award-winning singer’s fans globally rallied around her, defending her personality and her success. They argued that her stardom will not be diminished, as she is a beloved superstar.
“You’re only saying that because she wasn’t worshipping the American superiority complex you have. You want her to be super thankful for winning your award,” said @Melmaxxx.
“Americans think the world revolves around them! It’s you who refuses to understand other people’s cultures,” said @C_liveDj.
Seasoned rapper Joe Budden also weighed in on the topic on his The Joe Budden Podcast), agreeing with Wiggins’ remarks.
Joe budden podcast react to armon wiggins calling out South African artist Tyla . Joe talks about how she dubbed usher during his concert
— joebuddenclips (@Chatnigga101) September 14, 2024
It gave i’m better then you vibes the pod members disagree with joe assessment and he gets angry 😡 pic.twitter.com/ihiTCDCEmV
He added that he felt this way even before the VMAs, when Tyla attended R&B singer Usher Raymond’s concert.
During the concert, Usher attempted to grind on her while they were dancing to “Water,” but Tyla moved away, suggesting she is not big enough to decline Usher’s invitation to dance.
“When Usher attempted to do his showmanship dance while her record was playing in front of 20,000 people, she ducked him,” said Budden.
His colleagues tried to explain to the rapper that there was a reason Tyla refrained from dancing with Usher in that way—she has a man. Budden responded by saying he does not give a f***k what the reason is.
This sparked another debate, with some of Tyla’s supporters saying she had the right to reject Usher’s advances, as he did not respect her boundaries.
“You just hate that she has boundaries. Have you considered that she is not American and thus has her own culture and way of doing things?” said @mr_makalima.
She has self respect and boundaries.
SHE DIDNT WANT TO BE TOUCHED BY A CREEPY OLD MAN NOTHIN WRONG WITH THAT
— aa5k ❤️👑 (@aa5k_idk) September 15, 2024