South African singer Tyla has recently sparked a conversation by claiming she has a larger fan base in Nigeria, following the success of her viral hit “Water.” This statement comes amid ongoing tensions between South African and Nigerian social media users, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where debates about cultural ownership and influence in the music industry frequently arise.
Tyla’s assertion has added fuel to an already fiery discussion, with Nigerian fans demanding recognition for their role in her success. The controversy intensified after she defended a former Miss South Africa finalist, Chidimma Adetshina, who faced backlash and was accused of being “bullied” into stepping down from the competition. Tyla’s support for Chidimma has been interpreted by some as a broader endorsement of Nigerian culture, leading to mixed reactions online.
The tensions between South African and Nigerian music fans are not new, as both nations have been at odds over the origins and ownership of music genres like Amapiano. With Tyla’s growing international popularity, especially in Nigeria, this latest claim has reignited debates about cultural contributions and recognition in the music industry.
