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BREAKING: Watch Moment Tyla Defeated Davido And Others To Win Best African Music Performance At 2026 Grammys [VIDEO]
The 24-year-old artiste clinched the prize with her song Push 2 Start, marking her second consecutive win in the category. She previously won the same award in 2024 with her global hit Water, becoming the first artiste to claim the title twice since the category was introduced.
The latest win further cements Tyla’s growing influence on the global stage and reinforces her position as one of Africa’s most successful contemporary pop exports.
The Best African Music Performance category was created in 2024 to recognise recordings that showcase African-inspired melodic, harmonic and rhythmic elements. Tyla’s back-to-back victories have drawn attention to her ability to blend amapiano, pop and R&B into a sound that resonates with international audiences.
“Push 2 Start,” lifted from her self-titled debut album released in 2024, gained widespread popularity through streaming platforms and social media dance challenges. The song combines amapiano rhythms with polished pop production and themes centred on romance and self-confidence.
This year’s category featured a strong line-up dominated by African heavyweights, particularly from Nigeria. Other nominees included Burna Boy (Love), Davido featuring Omah Lay (With You), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (Gimme Dat), and Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (Hope & Love).
While Tyla’s victory was celebrated by fans across South Africa and beyond, it also reignited debates among Nigerian music fans, many of whom expressed disappointment that their artistes once again missed out on the award. The result has fuelled ongoing conversations about how African music is interpreted and rewarded on the global awards stage, particularly the balance between pop-oriented African sounds and traditional afrobeats.
Despite the controversy, music analysts note that the win underscores the Grammys’ increasing focus on genre-blending African music with broad international appeal, while also highlighting the rising prominence of amapiano worldwide.
Beyond the award, Tyla’s success reflects a remarkable career trajectory. Since emerging from Johannesburg and signing with an international label in 2021, she has achieved major commercial milestones, including a top-25 debut on the Billboard 200 and global chart success with Water.
The evening also carried special significance for African music, with legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti honoured posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award, further spotlighting the continent’s enduring cultural impact.
As African music continues to gain global visibility, Tyla’s latest Grammy win is expected to open doors for further international collaborations and tours, while sustaining debates over representation and recognition within the genre.
Watch the moment below:
