In the ever-evolving world of pop music, where inspiration and imitation often blur, a recent feud has set social media ablaze. Rihanna, the Barbadian superstar turned global mogul, has publicly called out South African rising star Tyla, accusing her of song theft and copying her iconic looks. The controversy, which erupted in early 2025, has sparked heated debates about artistic integrity, cultural influence, and the fine line between homage and plagiarism in the music industry.
The drama began when whispers surfaced online, fueled by a YouTube video titled “Rihanna WARNS Tyla For Stealing Her Song & Looks,” posted in April 2024. The video claimed Rihanna had issued a stern warning to Tyla, alleging that the young artist had lifted elements from her music and mimicked her style. While the video lacked concrete evidence, it ignited speculation, especially given Tyla’s meteoric rise and frequent comparisons to Rihanna. Fans pointed to Tyla’s 2024 track “Push 2 Start,” a reggae-infused amapiano pop-R&B song, as bearing similarities to Rihanna’s early dancehall-inspired hits like “Rude Boy.” Others noted Tyla’s bold fashion choices, such as the DSquared2 Riri Sandals she wore in the “Push 2 Start” music video, as a nod—or rip-off—of Rihanna’s signature aesthetic.
Tyla, known for her Grammy-winning single “Water” and her fusion of amapiano with global pop, has long cited Rihanna as an inspiration. In a 2023 interview with Interview Magazine, she praised Rihanna’s journey from Barbados to international stardom, noting it gave her hope as an African artist. Yet, this admiration has become a double-edged sword. Rihanna’s fans, fiercely protective of her legacy, have scrutinized Tyla’s work, accusing her of crossing into imitation. Social media platforms like X have buzzed with side-by-side comparisons of their music videos, outfits, and choreography, with hashtags like #TylaVsRihanna trending worldwide.
Rihanna, who has been relatively quiet on the music front since her 2016 album Anti, didn’t stay silent for long. In a rare public statement on X in March 2025, she wrote, “Art is about creating, not copying. Respect the craft.” While she didn’t name Tyla directly, the timing and context left little doubt about her target. The post sent shockwaves through the industry, with some praising Rihanna for defending her legacy and others accusing her of gatekeeping a genre she herself drew from Caribbean and global influences.
Tyla’s response was swift but measured. In an April 2025 Cosmopolitan interview, she addressed the comparisons head-on: “Rihanna is Rihanna. It’s a compliment, but I’m my own artist. I’m Tyla.” She emphasized her unique blend of South African amapiano and pop, arguing that her work stands apart. Yet, her clapback on X to a fan accusing her of copying Britney Spears’ 2001 VMAs look for her Coachella 2025 performance—“Personally I think you should stfu”—didn’t help her case. Critics argued it showed a pattern of defensiveness when faced with influence allegations, citing a 2023 claim by BBNaija’s Groovy that Tyla’s “Truth or Dare” sampled his song without permission.
The feud raises bigger questions about artistic integrity in pop music. Borrowing is nothing new—Rihanna herself faced a 2011 lawsuit from photographer David LaChapelle over her “S&M” video, which echoed his surreal imagery. Music history is littered with such disputes, from Madonna’s “Material Girl” channeling Marilyn Monroe to countless hip-hop samples. But in the digital age, where TikTok and X amplify every similarity, the stakes feel higher. Fans and artists alike are quick to cry foul, yet the line between inspiration and theft remains murky.
For Tyla, the controversy is a test of resilience. At 23, she’s already achieved what many African artists dream of: a Grammy, a Billboard Hot 100 hit, and global recognition. Her “Water” sparked a viral TikTok challenge, and her debut album earned critical acclaim. But being compared to a titan like Rihanna—whose nine Grammys, 14 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s, and Fenty empire set an unmatched standard—can be both a blessing and a curse. Tyla’s challenge is to carve out her identity while navigating the scrutiny that comes with being a young Black woman in pop.
Rihanna, meanwhile, remains a cultural force. Her call-out of Tyla underscores her commitment to protecting her legacy, but it also highlights her influence. Whether intentional or not, Tyla’s nods to Rihanna’s style and sound reflect the Barbadian star’s indelible mark on music and fashion. As the feud unfolds, it’s a reminder that in pop culture, imitation may be flattery—but it’s also a battleground.
This saga is far from over. Will Tyla address the allegations further? Will Rihanna drop new music to reclaim her throne? For now, fans are watching, keyboards at the ready, as two generations of talent clash over what it means to be original in a world where everything’s been done before.
