Tyla Balances Humanity and Power at Global Citizen Festival

South African star stops her set for a fan and later silences critics with bold performance

South African sensation Tyla delivered a night to remember at the 2025 Global Citizen Festival in New York’s Central Park. Midway through her Grammy-winning single Water, the 23-year-old abruptly paused the performance after spotting a fan who had fainted in the crowd. Without hesitation, she signaled production to stop the music and called for medical staff to assist the distressed audience member.

Silence Over the Great Lawn

As the fan received urgent attention, thousands of spectators fell into silence. Tyla kept her composure, watching closely to ensure the situation was under control. Only after nearby concertgoers assured her that everything was fine did she re-engage with the audience. With a smile, she asked whether they preferred her to continue the track from where she left off or restart the song entirely. The crowd erupted in applause, loudly choosing the restart, creating one of the night’s most unifying moments.

Artist Who Puts Fans First

For many, Tyla’s pause symbolized more than professionalism; it underscored her humanity. In a festival that champions activism and empathy, the young star showed that care for people matters as much as music. Her fans, already immersed in the vibrancy of her “popiano” sound, connected with her on a deeper level through her quick response and compassion.

Switching to Bold Confidence

Later in the evening, Tyla shifted gears, bringing fiery energy to the stage with Mr Media. The track, known for its biting lyrics, sees Tyla confronting her critics with unapologetic candor. Delivered with a mix of sass and composure, the song acted as a message to those who question her identity or career trajectory. Her declaration of “not sorry” mid-performance drew cheers, reinforcing her stance that she will not be silenced by outside noise.

Lyrics with a Bite

Lines such as, “Remember when I used to fight with words? Really, I should be worse, I should be meaner… What I? None of your concern,” landed like a lyrical mic drop. For Tyla, the song is less about anger and more about reclaiming control. It showcased her growth as an artist unafraid to stand her ground while still choosing restraint when necessary.

Controversy Beyond the Stage

Her bold words came against the backdrop of an ongoing online debate around her racial and cultural identity. Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage recently addressed the controversy during an interview on The Breakfast Club, where she acknowledged why the term “coloured” is considered offensive in the United States while also extending sympathy toward Tyla.

Tiwa Savage’s Intervention

“I think I felt for her a little bit because she is young and I do not think she means to come across like that,” Savage explained. She even went further, apologizing on Tyla’s behalf: “So if that was not communicated, I would like to say on behalf of her, we apologise. We did not mean it, forgive us.” The remarks sparked discussion online, with some praising Savage’s diplomacy while others argued Tyla should speak for herself. Against this backdrop, Tyla’s emphatic “not sorry” at the festival carried even greater resonance.

A Star Among Giants

The Global Citizen Festival was packed with star power. Shakira and Cardi B electrified the crowd with headline sets, while African artists Ayra Starr and Mariah the Scientist brought fresh voices to the stage. Hosted once again by Hugh Jackman, the event spotlighted African talent while addressing urgent global issues.

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Music Meets Activism

This year’s festival, held on September 27, highlighted major campaigns including a pledge to bring sustainable energy access to one million people across Africa. The blend of artistry and activism remains Global Citizen’s signature, using music as a unifying force to tackle poverty, inequality, and climate change. Tyla’s combination of compassion and confidence made her performance one of the standout moments of the night.

Humanity Meets Strength

From stopping her set to protect a fan to using her platform to push back against critics, Tyla demonstrated two sides of artistry: empathy and defiance. At just 23, she has cemented her place not only as a pop powerhouse but also as a role model navigating fame, responsibility, and identity with grace and grit.

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