South African sensation Tyla has once again stamped her authority on the global music scene, winning Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards and beating a star-studded field that included Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Eddy Kenzo.
The 24-year-old singer took home the trophy for her track Push 2 Start, marking her second consecutive win in the category after her 2024 victory with the viral hit Water.
The back-to-back triumph cements Tyla’s position as one of Africa’s most influential new voices in international pop and Afrobeats-adjacent music.
An emotional Tyla reacted moments after her name was called in Los Angeles, telling the audience she was overwhelmed by the moment and proud to represent the continent on such a massive stage.
“I’m just so proud to be African,” she said, adding that she hopes to see more African artists recognized globally.
Social media quickly erupted with celebration, especially in South Africa, where fans flooded X and Instagram with congratulatory messages. While some Nigerian fans admitted disappointment that their favorites did not win, many acknowledged Tyla’s growing global impact and polished artistry.
The Best African Music Performance nominees this year included:
- Love — Burna Boy
- With You — Davido feat. Omah Lay
- Hope & Love — Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
- Gimme Dat — Ayra Starr feat. Wizkid
- Push 2 Start — Tyla
The ceremony also highlighted Africa’s broader presence at the Grammys, with Trevor Noah returning as host for the sixth year in a row, continuing his run as one of the awards show’s most recognizable faces.
With two Grammys before the age of 25, Tyla’s star continues to rise, signaling a new era of African pop artists commanding space on the world’s biggest music stages.
