By Rorisang Modiba
American rapper Cardi B has spoken out in support of South African artist Tyla, who has been criticised and faced racist comments after the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.
Tyla, who won the Best Afrobeats award, asked Lil Nas X to hold her trophy during her acceptance speech because it was heavy.
Some people mistakenly thought she asked Halle Bailey instead, leading to YouTuber Armon Wiggins calling her an “uppity African,” suggesting she was being rude.
Rapper Joe Budden agreed with this on his podcast.
Cardi B responded by defending Tyla in a live chat on X Space.
“Tyla probably wishes she never won the award after all the hate she’s received. The internet can be really cruel,” she said.
Cardi also pointed out that Tyla is young and still adjusting to life in America, urging her critics to stop being so harsh.
Some social media users criticised Tyla, calling her a “diva” and “uppity,” and accusing her of acting “entitled.”
Despite the negative comments, Tyla celebrated her win and brushed off the criticism, tweeting that people were overreacting.
She wrote: “Y’all make everything weird … I was not asking my girl Halle … We’re just girls, STFU I WON A VMAAAA.”
Her fans, the “Tygers,” rallied to her defence in the online controversy.
Pictured above: Cardi B and Tyla.
Source: Instagram
