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| Davido and Tyla |
South African singer Tyla has once again made history at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, emerging victorious in the highly competitive Best African Music Performance category. The talented artist clinched the award with her hit single “Push 2 Start,” beating out several major African stars, including Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin.
The 2026 Grammy Awards, held on February 1 at the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, brought together the biggest names in global music. Among the African nominees, the race for Best African Music Performance was especially fierce, with strong contenders representing some of the continent’s most influential music markets.
Tyla’s triumph marks a significant milestone in her career and reinforces her growing global impact. With “Push 2 Start,” she edged out Burna Boy’s “Love,” Davido’s collaboration “With You” featuring Omah Lay, Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat,” as well as Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin’s “Hope & Love.” The diversity of the nominees reflects the richness of modern African music, spanning genres such as amapiano, Afrobeats, pop, and collaborative fusion tracks.
This win is particularly notable because Tyla is now a two-time recipient of the Best African Music Performance award. She first captured the honor in 2024 with her breakout hit “Water,” which helped define her as one of Africa’s most exciting new voices on the international stage. That initial Grammy win positioned her as a prominent representative of African music, and her repeat success in 2026 confirms her enduring appeal and artistic growth.
For Tyla, “Push 2 Start” has been a standout track that resonated with audiences worldwide. Its infectious blend of amapiano rhythms, polished pop production, and themes of romance and self-assurance helped it gain traction across streaming platforms and social media. The song’s popularity was amplified by viral dance challenges and widespread sharing, proving that African music continues to break into mainstream global playlists.
The Best African Music Performance category was created to spotlight African artists on the world stage and celebrate the continent’s musical innovation. Launched at the 2024 Grammys, the award acknowledges recordings that incorporate distinctive African rhythmic, melodic, and cultural elements. Tyla’s back-to-back wins underscore her role as a leading figure in this evolving musical landscape.
While Tyla’s achievement was celebrated widely, the results also signaled a bittersweet night for Nigerian music fans. Despite having three Nigerian artists in the Best African Music Performance final shortlist—Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr—none secured the top honor. Burna Boy, who has been a dominant force in African music with multiple Grammy nominations over the years, also missed out in the Best Global Music Album category. His project, No Sign of Weakness, was bested by the collaborative live album Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo by Brazilian legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia, earning them the award instead.
Davido and Omah Lay’s “With You” entered the competition with significant momentum, having achieved commercial success on multiple international charts. Likewise, Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat” garnered widespread acclaim and streams, boosting their global profiles. Despite these strong showings, the night ultimately belonged to Tyla.
The outcome highlights both the intense level of talent on the African continent and the unpredictability of awards that are increasingly influenced by global trends and tastes. African music has become a powerful cultural force worldwide, with genres like Afrobeats and amapiano shaping playlists far beyond the continent’s borders. The rise in collaborations, cross-genre exploration, and inclusion of African sounds in mainstream music demonstrates the growing influence of African artists at major international platforms like the Grammys.
Despite the disappointment for Nigerian artists on this occasion, the fact that several nominees were from Nigeria underscores the nation’s continued strength in producing world-class music. Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr and others remain pivotal figures in contemporary African music, and their frequent presence in Grammy nominations reflects persistent global recognition.
For Tyla, however, this award represents not just industry recognition, but also a validation of her artistic journey. From her roots in Johannesburg to becoming a global music sensation, she has consistently pushed creative boundaries. With her second Grammy now securely in her trophy cabinet, Tyla’s star continues to rise, inspiring a new generation of African artists aspiring to make their mark on the global stage.
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