South African songstress Tyla has had one of the most successful debuts in recent history. The 22-year-old is best known for her international breakout hit “Water,” with her self-titled debut album solidifying her Popiano reign.
The young superstar, however, has recently come under fire for exhibiting “diva” behavior. Following interviews and some faux pas during the 2024 Video Music Awards, fans were quick to turn on her. She’s been labeled everything from arrogant to self-important, officially branded as a diva.
The artist has even put in her own two cents, adding “entitled uppity African” to her X (formerly Twitter) bio. This was in response to YouTube personality Armon Wiggins tweeting, “I don’t think I like Tyla’s personality. I think someone needs to check her cus she doesn’t understand American Culture at all..she almost gives off entitled or uppity African idk how to explain it but it’s very off-putting and it’s almost like she expects people to just fall to her feet.”
But is the criticism warranted, or are the media and public forgetting to let divas be divas?
The Era of Divas
Back in the day, divas were the heartbeat of pop stardom. These women weren’t interested in being sweet and palatable; they understood their value and were audacious enough to express the full range of their emotions. Whether they were tired, annoyed or felt downright boisterous, there was no incentive to dilute themselves. That’s what made them icons.
This includes names like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Madonna and Nicki Minaj, among others. While there behavior was criticized at times, in general these women were praised for taking up space and keeping the world entertained.
These days, however, the young pop stars are facing a new reality. Chappell Roan has made headlines for snapping at an obnoxious photographer and sharing her discomfort meeting fans while Ice Spice is currently under fire for allegedly mistreating fellow rapper Cleotrapa. While the divas of before skated by with behavior that was generally accepted as the norm, those of today are held to a higher moral standard.
Times Have Changed
Truthfully, times have changed and it’s much more difficult to succeed these days as a true diva. With social media rising in prominence, fans expect their favorite stars to be relatable and down to earth. If a female celebrity develops a reputation for being difficult or having an ego, fans will hold them accountable and demand they apologize. This unforgiving culture is in stark contrast to the early 2000s, as fans now have much more access and a sharper moral compass.
It goes without saying that no one wants to condone immoral behavior. However, going from relatively unknown to a Grammy-winning superstar seemingly overnight is a difficult transition to handle with grace. If Tyla has a few slip-ups adjusting to stardom in a foreign culture, it’s to be expected. Not every woman on a major stage is going to be smiling, down to earth and relatable, nor does she necessarily have to be.