In the ever-evolving world of music, where icons and rising stars frequently collide, fans have learned to expect everything from warm mentorship to icy indifference. But nothing has captured the industry’s collective curiosity quite like Rihanna’s notable silence when it comes to South African breakout star Tyla. While some chalk it up to coincidence or timing, others believe it’s a calculated snub—and they want to know why.
The Spark: Tyla’s Meteoric Rise
Tyla Laura Seethal, known mononymously as Tyla, burst onto the global scene with her infectious single “Water”, a sultry Afrobeat-pop anthem that dominated TikTok and international charts alike. With her undeniable beauty, sultry vocals, and effortless style, comparisons to Rihanna were inevitable. Tyla’s mix of pop, R&B, and African rhythms gave the industry a breath of fresh air, drawing attention from international media, fashion brands, and music lovers across the world.
Tyla didn’t just draw comparisons—she embraced them. She openly expressed admiration for Rihanna in multiple interviews, citing her as a major influence. From fashion choices to stage presence, fans noted parallels that were too strong to ignore.
So naturally, the world waited for Rihanna to respond, acknowledge, or even celebrate the rise of the artist many dubbed her “spiritual successor.”
But Rihanna? She said nothing.
The Uncomfortable Silence
In an era where even the most private stars will retweet or drop an emoji to show support, Rihanna’s lack of public recognition toward Tyla stands out like a red flag. No tweet. No Instagram like. No mention in interviews. No surprise collab rumors. Nothing.
It’s not just that Rihanna hasn’t worked with Tyla—she hasn’t acknowledged her existence at all.
This silence has fueled speculation of a cold shoulder. Fans have dissected award show moments, red carpet encounters, and backstage clips looking for signs of interaction. To date, none have emerged. In fact, the closest the two came to a “moment” was at the 2024 Met Gala, where Tyla and Rihanna walked the same carpet—but never crossed paths.
Was this deliberate?
The Industry Buzz
Behind the scenes, the whispers have been growing louder.
According to a source close to a major record label, Rihanna is fully aware of Tyla’s rise and the chatter surrounding the comparisons. “Rihanna sees everything. People think she’s out of the loop because she doesn’t post much, but she’s watching. She knows about Tyla. She’s just choosing not to engage.”
Why? The answer may lie in the complexities of legacy, timing, and control.
“Rihanna built her empire from the ground up. She transitioned from pop star to billionaire mogul. It’s not easy to watch someone be labeled your ‘replacement’ or ‘successor’ when you’re not even done yet,” the insider says.
The Inevitable Comparison
Tyla’s emergence brought with it a wave of media coverage that relentlessly compared her to Rihanna—vocally, aesthetically, and artistically. While such comparisons are common in music, they often come with a sting.
Headlines like “Is Tyla the New Rihanna?” or “Rihanna’s Heir Has Arrived” flooded social media. Fans debated endlessly on who had the better voice, style, or debut single. Even fashion outlets started placing Tyla on best-dressed lists once exclusively reserved for the Barbadian queen.
For a star like Rihanna, who is still very much active—albeit in different sectors—this could feel like premature erasure.
“She’s not retired. She’s raising her kids, managing Fenty, and working on music in her own time. The idea that someone’s already come to replace her might be annoying, even disrespectful,” one industry insider noted.
Tyla: Flattered or Frustrated?
On her part, Tyla has remained humble and diplomatic. In interviews, she regularly praises Rihanna and dismisses feud rumors. “She’s iconic,” Tyla told a British outlet. “To even be mentioned in the same breath as her is a compliment.”
But some fans think the lack of acknowledgment may be wearing thin.
“She’s a huge fan. She’s paid her respects. She’s not being extra or copying. Rihanna could at least show love,” one Twitter user wrote. The sentiment echoed across fan accounts and Stan Twitter, with many accusing Rihanna of being “territorial” or “cold.”
Tyla herself has subtly shaded the lack of support. In a now-viral TikTok, she lip-synched to audio saying, “I don’t know what I did, but I’m sorry… or not,” with a wink. Fans were quick to connect the dots, seeing it as a response to Rihanna’s silence.
The Fashion World: Allies or Rivals?
Both women are fashion darlings, and that’s another arena where tension may be brewing.
Rihanna, who once ruled fashion week with her groundbreaking Fenty x Puma collaborations and daring Met Gala looks, now has competition. Tyla is fast becoming a favorite among high-end designers. Her 2024 Met Gala look—a sand-sculpted Balmain dress—was dubbed “the most daring look of the night,” a title often reserved for Rihanna.
Insiders say there was tension between their teams during the event. “There was talk of avoiding overlap in press coverage. Tyla’s team didn’t want her to be seen as chasing Rihanna’s spotlight,” a fashion PR source claimed.
In a world where branding is everything, even unspoken tension can turn into strategy.
Could It All Be Strategic?
There’s also a school of thought that Rihanna’s silence is intentional—and powerful.
Rihanna is known for playing the long game. Her moves are always calculated. She doesn’t engage in petty public spats. She doesn’t over-explain. And she certainly doesn’t give out free co-signs, especially to artists who might benefit more than she would from the exchange.
“She didn’t acknowledge Billie Eilish until Billie was already massive. She didn’t say anything about Doja Cat for years,” one fan pointed out. “She’s not quick to jump on hype. She watches, waits, and then decides if she wants to play.”
It’s possible that Rihanna simply hasn’t seen enough to justify a public nod—or that she plans to do so when it serves a bigger purpose, like a collab or a joint brand venture.
But for now, the silence is deafening.
Fans Divided
The Rihanna Navy and Tyla’s growing fanbase have clashed online, turning this cold shoulder into a digital war.
“Rihanna is a legend. She doesn’t need to validate anyone,” one user tweeted.
“She wouldn’t be where she is if Beyoncé had treated her the same way,” another clapped back.
The debate has sparked larger conversations about mentorship, industry gatekeeping, and how women in music are often pitted against each other unnecessarily.
Some believe Rihanna is simply protecting her space. Others think she’s missing a chance to uplift the next generation.
What Happens Next?
With Tyla’s star continuing to rise, and Rihanna’s next musical era looming, their paths are bound to cross again—whether through award nominations, fashion deals, or streaming stats.
The world will be watching. Will Rihanna finally speak Tyla’s name? Or will this silence become its own kind of message—one louder than any co-sign could be?
Whatever the case, one thing is certain: Rihanna’s refusal to acknowledge Tyla has created one of the most fascinating non-feuds in recent music history.
And in an industry that thrives on tension, mystery, and ego, perhaps that silence is more powerful than any diss track or shady tweet.