Tyla vs Sexxy Red: Best New Artist award won by Mzansi star sparks debate among fans

 

South African sensation Tyla, known for her hits "Water," "Truth or Dare," and "Jump," has garnered significant attention after winning two prestigious awards at the 2024 BET Awards.

Tyla won in the categories of Best International Act and Best New Artist.

In the Best New Artist category, Tyla faced notable contenders like Sexxy Red and Ayra Starr.

Tyla's victory over Sexxy Red has sparked controversy, particularly among American fans and supporters of Sexxy Red.

Despite the tension, Tyla expressed her admiration for Sexxy Red during her acceptance speech, stating, "I love Sexxy Red."

Many Americans argued that Sexxy Red deserved the Best New Artist award due to her chart-topping hits, including "Pound Town," "SkeeYee," and "Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Dad)."

Fans claimed that Sexxy Red's consistent chart success and broad appeal made her the rightful winner.

Both artists delivered standout performances at the BET Awards, with Sexxy Red captivating the audience with energetic renditions of "U My Everything" and "Get It Sexxy," while Tyla electrified the stage with "Jump," featuring Gunna and Skillibeng.

Despite the controversy surrounding the awards, Sexxy Red appeared unfazed. She shared footage from the event and expressed her gratitude to her fans, saying, "I do this for the trenches, the hood bitches winning."

Some have argued that Sexxy Red's fame has been significantly boosted by her collaborations with Drake. She has jokingly claimed she slept with Drake for features, though this remains a mix of speculation and her characteristic trolling style.

Meanwhile, Tyla's success is seen as a result of her unique talent and hard work, with supporters asserting that Sexxy Red "got nothing on Tyla."

Tyla also faced criticism from some Americans for identifying herself as "coloured" during an interview with Charlamagne Tha God on The Breakfast Club. While this term is commonly used in South Africa to describe mixed-race individuals, it is considered a slur by some Black Americans.

Tyla clarified that her use of the term was not meant to disassociate from her Blackness but to reflect her coloured heritage and identity from a South African perspective.

While Tyla's achievements at the BET Awards have been celebrated by many, they have also sparked debates about merit, identity, and the influence of high-profile collaborations in the music industry.