South African pop sensation Tyla, known for her chart-topping hit “Water,” has fans worried after a viral video surfaced showing her being carried out of a party in São Paulo, Brazil, on August 20, 2025. The Grammy-winning artist, celebrated for her unique blend of pop and amapiano, appeared to be unconscious, prompting speculation and concern about her well-being.
The incident occurred in the early hours following an H&M after-party event. In the clip, first shared on X by user @YSLONIKA, Tyla, dressed in a lime green outfit, is seen being swiftly carried over the shoulder of a security guard before being placed into a car.
Earlier footage from the same event showed the 23-year-old singer dancing energetically and appearing cheerful while interacting with others, making the sudden scene all the more jarring. The rapid movement of the security guard, described by some as “running for dear life,” led to assumptions that the situation might be more serious than a typical night out.
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Online reactions ranged from concern to speculation. Some fans expressed worry, with comments like, “This seems serious, I hope Tyla is okay,” while others suggested she may have overindulged, with one user on Lipstick Alley stating, “She was probably drunk or on drugs.”
Others pointed to her demanding schedule, noting that constant travel and work could lead to exhaustion or dehydration. “She’s always looked this weight… the issue is she’s constantly traveling, working, or at events,” one commenter remarked. There were also theories about dodging paparazzi, as one Reddit user noted, “The running was possibly to avoid photographers, but it’s still alarming.”
Tyla’s meteoric rise to fame, marked by her historic Grammy win for Best African Music Performance and her status as the first South African soloist in 55 years to hit the Billboard Hot 100, has kept her in the spotlight. Her relentless schedule, including performances at Coachella 2025 and the upcoming We Wanna Party Tour, has raised questions about the toll of her global success.
Some fans speculated about health issues, with one suggesting, “Maybe exhaustion and dehydration? I passed out from a heatwave last week, so maybe that?” Others criticized the intense pressures of the entertainment industry, drawing parallels to K-pop stars who faced similar challenges due to grueling schedules.
No official statement has been released by Tyla or her team regarding the incident, leaving fans awaiting clarification. The lack of immediate medical attention in the video raised eyebrows, with one user questioning, “If she passed out, wouldn’t it make sense to have medics tend to her there?” Some even suggested the scene could be a publicity stunt, though most expressed genuine concern for her safety.
This incident comes amid a year of both triumphs and challenges for Tyla. The singer has faced scrutiny over her racial identity, particularly after identifying as “Coloured” in South Africa—a term that sparked controversy abroad due to its different connotations.
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Despite this, she has remained steadfast in her authenticity, telling British Vogue, “I’m at a point where I know who I am. I’m both Coloured in South Africa and a Black woman.” Her resilience in navigating fame’s pressures, from identity debates to the psychological toll of viral success, has been well-documented.
As Tyla continues to break barriers as a global pop star, this incident serves as a reminder of the intense demands placed on young artists. Fans are left hoping for her swift recovery and an explanation that puts their concerns to rest. For now, the “Queen of Popiano” remains a topic of discussion, both for her undeniable talent and the challenges of her rapid ascent to stardom.