Tyrez Gibson defended Tyla in discussion about 'Coloured' identity

American actor and singer Tyrez Gibson spoke in support of South African singer Tyla amid ongoing debates regarding the 'coloured' racial identity.

Context of the Dispute

Gibson responded to the criticism Tyla received for self-identifying as 'Coloured'. This discussion reignited after Tyla appeared on Apple Music's 'The Ebro Show', where she shared her experience of negative reactions from American audiences towards her racial background.

In the United States, the term 'Coloured' is often considered outdated and offensive due to its historical link to racial segregation. However, in South Africa, 'Coloured' denotes a distinct ethnic and cultural community with its own history and identity, shaped by the legacy of apartheid in the country.

Tyla's Position

During the interview, Tyla openly discussed the initial difficulties in understanding the reasons behind such a strong international reaction to her self-identification. She noted that she faced criticism even before participating in 'The Breakfast Club' and found it difficult to explain her stance because she never felt the need to do so.

The singer explained that for most of her life, over 22 years, she knew herself as 'Coloured' because she was told so. Traveling the world helped her realize how differently racial terms are perceived in different parts of the globe. She acknowledged that studying the global context showed her how complex this conversation would be.

Tyla also mentioned that there are racially offensive terms within South Africa itself, which helps her understand why certain expressions might elicit a strong response in other countries. She stated: 'I know that being coloured is my culture. It exists in my context, but I am also Black.'

Tyrez Gibson's Comments

Following the interview, Gibson used social media to question what he called 'selective outrage' directed at the South African star. He expressed shock at the online attack and regret that her career might suffer.

The actor questioned: 'Are we coloured? Or are we n****s? Because we say it every day. And then we get upset when someone else says it. Selective outrage?' He also commented on the historical use of racist epithets within the Black community, believing that derogatory language has become commonplace.

He noted that members of the Nation of Islam never referred to their Black brothers by such a word, preferring to say 'my brother' or 'my sister'. Gibson admitted his part in this phenomenon, saying: 'A white person committed a real atrocity against us, and now we ourselves call ourselves a derogatory name that they created for us. I am guilty of this myself... But the selective outrage is astonishing.'

Call for Historical Understanding

Drawing on his experience in South Africa, Gibson urged critics to study the country's history before judging Tyla's identity. He emphasized that he had visited South Africa no less than eight times and called for research into apartheid and all the trauma it inflicted and continues to inflict on Africans.

He concluded his statement with a sharp remark: 'They said, never listen to people who have never had a passport.'