By Rorisang Modiba
- Tyla faced criticism after reposting a Pitchfork review that suggested she could fill the space left by Rihanna’s music break.
- The South African singer later deleted the repost and told critics the Rihanna comparison came from Pitchfork, not her.
Tyla has hit back at social media criticism after sharing a review that compared her to Rihanna.
The drama started after American music publication Pitchfork reviewed Tyla’s album and suggested Rihanna’s long break from music had created space for a new star.
The review said Tyla appeared ready to fill that space.
Pitchfork shared the review on X and Tyla’s account reposted it the following day.
She later deleted the repost, but screenshots had already spread and some social media users questioned why she had shared the comparison.
Others accused Tyla of relying on Rihanna comparisons and mocked her music after her album APOP spent one week on the Billboard 200 before dropping off the chart.
Some also called her a “one-hit wonder” because of the worldwide success of Water.
Tyla later responded on her Instagram Stories.
“Ya’ll know that’s not me,” she wrote, questioning why people were attacking her when Pitchfork had made the comparison.
It is not the first time Tyla’s social media activity has caused controversy.
In December 2025, her account reposted a post attacking Nicki Minaj before it was deleted. Tyla later suggested her account had been compromised.
Rihanna comparisons also surfaced after the 2026 Met Gala, when a video appeared to show Tyla hesitating before approaching the singer.
Tyla later said she did not want to interrupt Rihanna because she appeared busy and made it clear that she admired her.
Pictured above: Tyla.
Image source: Tyla/Instagram
