South African singer Tyla has won her second Grammy at the 2026 awards, taking the Best African Music Performance prize for her song Push 2 Start. She beat four other nominees, including Nigerian stars Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, and Davido, as well as Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo.
Tyla, 24, previously won the same award in 2024 for her global hit Water. After her latest win in Los Angeles, she expressed pride in representing Africa, saying: “This is insane… I’m so proud to be African.”
Social media in South Africa and beyond celebrated her victory, though some Nigerian fans expressed disappointment that none of their artists won, despite Afrobeats’ global success.
Other nominees included:
- Love – Burna Boy
- With You – Davido featuring Omah Lay
- Hope & Love – Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
- Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid
- Push 2 Start – Tyla
While Nigerian artists missed out on awards this year, one posthumous honour went to legendary musician Fela Kuti, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award 29 years after his death.
South African comedian Trevor Noah hosted the ceremony for the sixth and final time, though his set sparked controversy, with former US President Donald Trump threatening legal action over a joke about him.
