South Africa 'Coloured' identity of singer defies apartheid

When Tyla exploded on to the global music scene with her hit Water, the South African singer did not just gain attention for her R&B vocals and dance moves.

- Rachel Savage

Tyla's proud description of herself as "coloured" has also caused controversy, particularly in the US, where the word has a painful racist history and is no longer in use.

The debates have highlighted the difficulties of discussing and dealing with often hyperlocal race and identity issues in a globalised world, with words that can be deeply offensive in some countries reclaimed with pride in others.

Many Black and Coloured South Africans have stepped in online to defend the Grammy-winning singer's right to define her own identity. At the same time, younger Coloured South Africans are exploring the complexities of a category that was entrenched by apartheid but has developed into a distinct culture.