South African pop sensation Tyla is facing backlash after American rapper Yung Miami accused her of “stealing” a song concept, sparking an international debate over creative ownership in the music industry.
Yung Miami, one half of the rap duo City Girls, took to X (formerly Twitter) earlier this week, claiming that Tyla’s upcoming single “Chanel” bears striking similarities to her unreleased song “Take Me to Chanel.” The U.S. rapper alleged that she once played the song for Tyla, who then used the idea without acknowledgment.
“I played this song for this girl, and now she’s dropping the same thing,” Yung Miami wrote. “It’s wild how people move.”
Tyla’s team has remained silent, continuing to promote her single, which is set for release on October 24. The teaser clip shared on TikTok shows Tyla singing, “Put me in Chanel,” which many fans agree mirrors Yung Miami’s version.
The controversy has polarized the online community. Some users accuse Tyla of idea theft, while others argue that references to luxury brands like Chanel are common in pop and R&B music.
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Music critic Bongani Mthembu noted that “Tyla’s rise to global stardom makes her a target for scrutiny. Even if coincidental, these allegations can overshadow her artistry.”
The 22-year-old Grammy winner, known for hits like “Water” and “Truth or Dare,” has built a global fan base with her blend of amapiano-infused pop. Her silence amid the uproar may be a calculated move to let the music speak for itself.
Industry observers expect the controversy to fade once “Chanel” officially drops, potentially becoming one of Tyla’s biggest hits yet. Regardless of outcome, the dispute underscores the global challenges of originality and influence in the age of viral music.