Cardi B Defends Tyla Against “Uppity African” Comments

American rapper Cardi B recently took to X (formerly known as Twitter) Spaces to defend South African singer Tyla after derogatory comments labeled her an “entitled uppity African.” Since rising to international fame, Tyla has faced backlash from both local and global audiences, particularly following her recent experience at the VMA Awards.

The controversy began when Tyla was unable to hold her VMA Award for Best Afrobeats, leading some to criticize her for asking musician Halle Bailey to assist. Cardi B stepped in, clarifying that Tyla had actually asked Lil Nas X to hold the award, challenging the narrative that portrayed Tyla as rude for seeking help. “I love Halle, but she didn’t even ask her to hold her award; she asked Lil Nas X, a man!” Cardi asserted.

The situation escalated when YouTuber Armon Wiggins referred to Tyla as an “uppity African,” a term suggesting entitlement. Cardi B condemned this kind of online bullying, emphasizing that Tyla, only 22, is simply trying to navigate the American music scene. She expressed concern that Tyla might regret winning the VMA, saying, “If she had known it would have brought so much hate, she was probably crying that night.”

Cardi’s passionate defense highlights the importance of supporting artists facing unwarranted criticism and the need for compassion in the industry.