Let’s by diving into some music talk, starting with Tems’ latest album, “Born in the Wild.” I have to admit, this album really caught me by surprise—it’s grown on me in ways I didn’t expect.
At first listen, my reaction was more like, “Okay,” not exactly blown away. But over time, I’ve found myself going back to it repeatedly. It’s one of those albums that sneaks up on you. It’s got a laid-back, easy-listening vibe, with production that’s stripped-down yet still incredibly groovy. I’m really into the blend of R&B and Afrobeats she’s brought to the table here.
While Tems leans more towards R&B, her songwriting really shines through. Some tracks that stand out to me are “Wickedest,” “Love Me,” “JJ,” “Turn Me Up,” “Burning Me and You,” “Forever,” “Ganga,” “You in My Face,” and “Freefall,” featuring J. Cole—who, by the way, delivers an impressive verse. His lyrical prowess is undeniable.
Overall, this album is perfect for chilling out or having it on in the background. I’ve grown quite fond of it and find myself coming back to it time and again—it’s definitely made a fan out of me.
Victoria Monet has been making waves recently, especially with her latest video release for “Alright.” I can’t stop raving about it because it’s simply incredible. The video pays homage to Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson with stunning looks and captivating choreography. Victoria, along with her choreographer Shon Bankhead, delivered a stellar performance. She truly embodies stardom, constantly pushing herself to new heights. Victoria has that special “it” factor, drawing inspiration from legends like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Beyoncé, while also carving out her own distinct style and sound. Everything about her videos feels meticulously crafted. If you haven’t seen the “Alright” video yet, you’re in for a treat. And keep an eye out for more visuals from her album Jaguar II; she’s definitely one to watch.
Tyla sparked controversy after discussing her racial identity in a recent interview on The Breakfast Club. The South African artist referred to herself as colored, which sparked criticism due to the term’s problematic history in the United States. In American context, “colored” carries a derogatory legacy from the segregation era when it was used to marginalize Black people as inferior and deny them equal rights and opportunities. This term evokes a painful history of racial segregation and discrimination, where Black individuals faced systemic oppression and were excluded from mainstream society.
In present-day South Africa, the term “colored” isn’t seen as derogatory, but its origins in apartheid history give it a complex and controversial undertone, much like its usage in America to enforce racial segregation. The apartheid-era classifications—Black, white, Indian, and colored—still influence societal perceptions today. Tyla proudly identifies as colored, reflecting her rich heritage that includes Black African, Irish, Indian, and Malagasy roots, with Zulu ancestry from her mother’s side. Despite their varied appearances, her siblings also fall under the colored classification, illustrating the diversity within their shared identity.
When Tyla was asked about her race on The Breakfast Club, she opted not to answer, mentioning she’d discussed it before. In South Africa, she identifies as colored, a term that carries different meanings in the U.S., where it’s seen as derogatory. Her publicist stepped in during the awkward moment, highlighting Tyla’s discomfort with the topic dominating the interview instead of her music. While she prefers not to define herself solely by race, there was an opportunity to explain what being colored means in South Africa to the American audience, particularly within the Black community. This could have helped clarify her identity and address concerns about cultural appropriation.
After facing criticism, she decided to speak out. She took to social media and explained, “Hey everyone, I just want to set the record straight—I’ve never denied my Black heritage. My background is a mix of Black, Zulu, Irish, Malagasy, Indian, and colored ancestry. In South Africa, I identify as colored, but elsewhere in the world, I’m often seen as Black due to different ways of classifying race. I understand the sensitivity of the term ‘colored’ outside of South Africa, so I don’t expect others to use it if they’re uncomfortable. To me, I proudly embrace both identities: colored in South Africa and Black internationally. It’s about celebrating diversity and unity, not choosing one over the other.”
“There was also a South African guy who shared his perspective on TikTok, offering a broader explanation on the topic: ‘As a colored South African, I know we’re Black, African, but our colored identity gives us a unique cultural experience. It’s frustrating having to explain this repeatedly to those who won’t educate themselves. I’m not excusing any anti-Black attitudes or claims of superiority due to perceived closeness to whiteness. What I’m saying is, in South Africa, colored people had a different—not separate, but different—experience from those considered Black. That’s why colored people may hesitate to claim Blackness in certain situations, recognizing their distinct historical and societal experiences compared to Black South Africans. So, I understand why Tyla might say, ‘I’m colored, not Black,’ even though she identifies culturally as Black and African.’