Nigerian Artist, Tiwa Savage, has faced major backlash on social media users after apologising on behalf of South African Grammy winner Tyla, who labels herself as “coloured” (mixed race) - a term many Americans find offensive due to the country’s history.

Savage made the apology during an interview on America’s popular radio show The Breakfast Club this week, explaining that Tyla did not intend any harm.

“Where I am from, when something like that happens, The elder will come on behalf of the young one to apologise. Hahaha. If that wasn’t communicated well, on behalf of her, I would like to apologise, ” said Savage.

Tyla innocently went on a radio broadcast in the US responding that she is coloured, after she was asked what race she identifies as.

“In South Africa my race is called “coloured” and it’s a very stressful term to use in America because I know it’s a derogatory term but that is just what we are called in SA,” said Tyla.

Some Americans criticised the ‘Water’ hitmaker, arguing she could not expect them to refer to her as “coloured” given the term’s historical context in the US.

South Africans, however, defended the young artist, urging her to be unapologetic about her identity.

Weeks after the controversy, social media attention shifted to Savage, with many accusing her of inserting herself unnecessarily into the debate by apologising on Tyla’s behalf.