Cardi B Steps in for Tyla

On August 13, 2025, during an X (formerly Twitter) Spaces livestream from Los Angeles, Cardi B made waves—not for her own music, but for her staunch defense of South African singer Tyla. Frustrated by the relentless negativity aimed at artists, Cardi didn’t hold back:

“People been dragging the shit out of Tyla and it’s like the girl don’t even address or talk about nothing… Every single time I scroll down on my TikTok, there’s a video of her and people are talking shit… what do you want her to fucking do, cut her fucking veins? Like, enough. Enough.” TikTok+13Power 107+13iOS+13iOS+1

She went on to reflect on the disturbing nature of online behavior:

“I’m starting to feel that people just don’t like celebrities. It’s like the only way that people like celebrities is if you don’t say nothing at all.” YouTube+4BET+4iOS+4

Why Tyla?

Tyla had faced waves of criticism tied to her identity—particularly over her use of the term “coloured” to describe herself in South African terms. While common in her home country, the term carries a heavy, historically derogatory meaning elsewhere—spark ignited when an interviewer in the U.S. questioned her about it. iOS+2News24+2

In response, Tyla expressed the confusion and emotional toll she experienced. She clarified:

“I don’t expect to be identified as coloured outside of [South Africa]… But to close this conversation, I’m both coloured in South Africa and a Black woman.” BET+2News24+2

Cardi’s defense highlights how damaging online scrutiny can be—especially when an artist silently navigates personal identity and cultural difference.

A Ripple of Support

Tyla hasn’t responded publicly to Cardi B’s remarks yet—but her repost of a clip from Cardi’s livestream, where Cardi jokingly referred to her wig as a “Tyla wig,” speaks volumes. It suggests admiration, if not gratitude. Wikipedia+10Power 107+10The Breakfast Club+10

This isn’t the first time Cardi has come to Tyla’s defense. At the 2024 MTV VMAs, Tyla asked Lil Nas X to hold her award—a moment misinterpreted and criticized by some. Cardi called it out as bullying, emphasizing cultural nuance and the importance of understanding context. iOS+1

What It Means

• Empathy in action: Cardi B’s outspoken support reminds the public that celebrities face humanity and cultural complexity—and that defending each other matters.

• Cultural nuance matters: Tyla’s “coloured” identity shows how language can shift in meaning by region. That nuance must be met with sensitivity, not condemnation.

• The weight of words: In the age of social media, careless comments can wound deeply. Calling it out—the way Cardi did—can be a powerful antidote.

Final Thoughts

This moment serves as a reminder: true support often looks like using one's platform to uplift others. Cardi didn't just call out the hate—she put it in perspective.

In an industry where division can sell stories, solidarity can be revolutionary.