American radio host and cultural commentator, Charlamagne Tha God, whose real name is Lenard McKelvey, has made headlines in South Africa after being spotted enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Cape Town.
Recently, he was seen hanging out on Bree Street, where he attended the iBraai event on New Year’s Day, hosted by Braai Broetjies.
This event is known for bringing people together to celebrate the beloved South African tradition of braai.
Footage of Charlamagne at the event quickly circulated on social media, particularly TikTok, where event organisers showcased his relaxed demeanor while mingling with local attendees.
The video was aptly captioned: “When Charlemagne pulls through to a Braai Brotjies event before you #braaibroetjies.”
Charlamagne, acclaimed for his candid and fearless approach to interviews, has not shied away from sensitive topics, including race, politics and mental health.
His presence in South Africa, however, has evoked a mixed bag of opinions from netizens.
@braai.brootjies when Charlemagne pulls through to a Braai Brotjies event before you #braaibroetjies ♬ original sound – Braai Brootjies
Some welcomed him to the country, while others expressed their discontent, referencing his past interaction with “Water” hitmaker, Tyla that divided opinions on race and identity.
Commenting on his visit, this is what netizens had to say:
@jamaldeang said: “Why is Charlamagne also here? 😭😭😭.”
@cheyenne..smith commented: “So the ENTIRE USA decided to come here? 😭.”
@mabo_85 said: “Not Charlamagne the hater in SA 😂.”
@nkosi85lemenz commented: “He exposed Tyla to a hate train. Tyla is our princess. We will fight for her.”
During a June 2024 appearance on “The Breakfast Club”, Charlamagne asked Tyla to explain the term “coloured”, which she uses to describe herself in South Africa. The term holds a specific cultural and ethnic meaning in SA but is considered a racial slur in the US.
This topic has been a point of contention online, especially following previous social media posts by Tyla.
The on-air moment led to an awkward exchange and ignited a broader debate about racial classification differences between the US and South Africa.
The clip of their interaction quickly went viral, resulting in criticism directed at Tyla from some American viewers who felt she was denying her Blackness by sidestepping the question.
In response, Tyla took to social media platforms, including X and Instagram Stories, to clarify her identity and the cultural nuances surrounding it.
She stated that she never denied her Blackness, explaining her mixed heritage: “mixed with Black/Zulu, Irish, Mauritian/Indian and Coloured.”
In South Africa, “coloured” is a recognised ethnic and racial category for individuals of mixed ancestry, distinct from the derogatory historical connotations associated with the term in the US.
Tyla emphasised that while she identifies as “coloured” in South Africa, she understands that in other parts of the world, she would be classified as a Black woman, and she embraces both identities.
