Something beautiful happened this week.
Tyla stepped onto a stage in Brooklyn, New York, alongside one of the biggest names in music history Shakira. They performed "Hips Don't Lie" together, and the chemistry between them was undeniable. Two women, two generations, two continents. And one unforgettable moment.
I loved every second of it.
But of course, the internet had to ruin it.
Because instead of simply celebrating what Shakira did, elevating a rising star, sharing her spotlight, showing genuine warmth people started using this moment to drag Rihanna. Again.
"Where was Rihanna when Tyla needed her?"
"Shakira did what Rihanna refused to do."
"Rihanna could never."
And I'm sorry, but I have to say something.
Rihanna doesn't owe Tyla anything.
Let me be clear I love Tyla. Her talent is undeniable. Her rise has been extraordinary. And yes, the Met Gala moment earlier this year was awkward to watch. Tyla stood nearby, Rihanna seemed occupied, and the internet made it into a whole scandal.
But here's what people keep forgetting: the music industry is not a friend group. It's a workplace.
Think about your own job. Do you have a deep personal connection with every colleague? Do you owe every junior employee your time, your mentorship, your platform? No. You don't. And neither does Rihanna.
Rihanna has been one of the greatest forces in music and fashion for nearly two decades. She has her own life, her own priorities, her own family. The fact that she wasn't in the mood to have an extended conversation at a high-pressure event like the Met Gala does not make her a villain.
Tyla didn't help herself either.
I'll say what others won't. The way some of Tyla's fans handled the Rihanna situation and at times, the way Tyla herself seemed to lean into the narrative didn't do her any favors. When you publicly position yourself as someone who was hurt by a bigger star, you're not just sharing your feelings. You're inviting a war between fanbases that nobody wins from.
