South African Grammy Award-winning artist Tyla found herself at the centre of online debate after her performance of the national anthem at the FIFA World Cup opener in Mexico City, with fans expressing frustration over how little of her performance was actually shown on screen.
Tyla was among the featured performers at the highly anticipated opening ceremony held at the iconic Stadio Azteca on 11 June 2026. Her inclusion in the event had already generated excitement across South Africa, with many celebrating the global recognition of one of the country’s biggest music stars.
However, the excitement quickly turned into disappointment when the broadcast of the South African national anthem barely showed the singer. Viewers noted that the camera instead focused on the football squad, backup singers, and sections of the crowd, while Tyla, the main performer, was largely kept out of frame.
Social media users complained that Tyla was only visible for a few seconds—reportedly as little as two seconds toward the end of the performance. Many joked that it was nearly impossible to see her unless one was paying extremely close attention, with some describing the broadcast as a “blink and you miss it” moment.
The situation sparked widespread criticism online, with fans questioning the production choices behind the broadcast. Radio personality Anele Mdoda also weighed in, expressing frustration at the camera direction. She humorously suggested that the director might be a fan of other global artists, questioning why Tyla was not given more screen time during such a significant moment.
Many users echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the South African star deserved far more visibility during the anthem performance. Others were particularly disappointed because Tyla’s outfit—designed with South African flag colours and featuring a vuvuzela-inspired silhouette—was barely shown to television audiences.
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Following the performance, Tyla addressed the moment on Instagram Live, giving fans a closer look at her outfit and stage presence. The design was widely praised online for its creative nod to South African culture and sporting identity, even though many viewers missed it during the live broadcast.
Social media reactions continued to pour in after clips of the performance circulated. Some users defended the singer, blaming camera operators for poor coverage, while others expressed frustration that such a major international stage did not properly showcase South African talent.
Despite the criticism of the broadcast, Tyla’s appearance was still seen by many as a proud moment for South Africa, with her participation in the World Cup opener highlighting her growing global influence.
Meanwhile, attention around the tournament continues to build as Bafana Bafana prepare for their opening fixture against Mexico, with widespread national support and encouragement from various public figures.
The controversy over Tyla’s limited screen time has since become a talking point online, raising questions about live event production and the representation of African artists on global stages.
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