South African singer Tyla has once again made waves on the international music stage after winning the Best African Music Performance category at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held on 1 February 2026 in Los Angeles. She clinched the award with her hit single “Push 2 Start”, besting a strong lineup of African stars including Nigerian acts Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr.

The category, introduced in 2024 to spotlight African music on the world stage, has now made history with Tyla becoming the first artist to win the award twice — after initially taking the inaugural prize in 2024 with her breakout single “Water.”

At just 24 years old, Tyla’s victory highlights both her continuing rise in global pop and African music as well as the increasing international recognition of the continent’s vibrant soundscapes. “Push 2 Start,” featured on the deluxe edition of her debut album, blends amapiano, pop and R&B influences, helping it resonate across streaming platforms and social media audiences worldwide.

A Strong Line-Up: Who Tyla Beat

The category this year featured several notable nominees, reflecting the diversity of contemporary African music:

• Burna Boy – Love

• Davido featuring Omah Lay – With You

• Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid – Gimme Dat

• Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – Hope & Love

Despite strong showings and multiple nominations, none of the Nigerian artists secured a win in the category this year, making Tyla’s triumph both significant and historic for South African music.

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What This Win Means

Tyla’s second Grammy in the Best African Music Performance category not only cements her place among Africa’s leading contemporary artists but also reinforces the growing global impact of African pop and amapiano-infused music. Her back-to-back victories in this category reflect how African artists continue to shape the international soundscape and earn recognition on one of music’s biggest stages.

The Grammy Awards ceremony overall showcased a range of global talent across genres, but Tyla’s win stood out as a defining moment for African music — one that speaks to both creative excellence and continental influence in the global industry.

Conclusion

Tyla’s Grammy victory in 2026 — edging out major names like Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr — confirms her as a rising global star and underscores the continued prominence of African music on the world stage. With two victories in the Best African Music Performance category, she has set a new benchmark for artists from the continent.