The self-identification of South African popstar Tyla as 'coloured' has ignited a debate on racial identity and self-identification in Black spaces. This has led to controversy over American identity politics and the use of the term 'coloured', which has different connotations in South Africa and the US. Inaya Folarin Iman questions why Tyla should have to define herself as 'black'. Meanwhile, the music world mourns the death of Zahara, a prominent South African singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and heartfelt ballads.
A self-taught musician who sang in English and Xhosa, Zahara was a prominent figure in contemporary Afro-soul known for her heartfelt voice. https://t.co/4uGVGvyzdO
As popstar Tyla has shot to international fame, her identity as a coloured South African has sparked a debate over racial identity and self-identification in Black spaces. https://t.co/2Yyrkw0dTk
Why should Tyla have to define herself as 'black'?, asks Inaya Folarin Iman https://t.co/eTjaFxdRZX
Zahara, the South African singer-songwriter whose soulful voice and heartfelt ballads earned her platinum-selling albums and multiple accolades in her country, has died at 36. https://t.co/fI3lc0kJtP
American identity politics is inescapable. Tyla, a mixed-race popstar from South Africa, faces cancellation for calling herself ‘coloured’ – a word that’s totally inoffensive in a South African context. This is woke neocolonialism, says Inaya Folarin Iman https://t.co/eTjaFxdRZX
South African popstar Tyla has upset the woke by calling herself 'coloured'. Yes, it’s an outdated word in the US, but it has an entirely positive meaning in her homeland. Why must the world conform to America’s identity politics?, asks Inaya Folarin Iman https://t.co/eTjaFxdRZX