South African singer Tyla has won the Best African Music Performance award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, beating top Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid in the highly competitive category.
Newsonspot reports that Tyla clinched the honour with her song “Push 2 Start,” ahead of Burna Boy’s “Love,” Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay, Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat,” as well as Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin’s “Hope & Love.”
The Best African Music Performance category was introduced to spotlight African music on the global stage, and this year’s nominations once again reflected Nigeria’s strong influence, with Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr making the final shortlist.
With this win, Tyla becomes a two-time winner of the award since its introduction in 2024, when she made history by winning the inaugural edition with her global hit “Water.” The 24-year-old singer has continued to rise as one of Africa’s most successful young pop exports, blending amapiano, pop, and R&B into a sound that appeals to international audiences.
“Push 2 Start,” taken from her self-titled debut album Tyla released in 2024, gained massive attention through streaming platforms and viral dance trends on social media, further strengthening her global presence.
Meanwhile, Nigerian superstar Davido’s Grammy journey continues, as the singer has now recorded five Grammy nominations without a win. However, he recently achieved a major milestone by becoming a voting member of the Recording Academy, giving him a voice in shaping future Grammy outcomes.
The 2026 Grammys also celebrated Africa’s musical legacy, as legendary Nigerian icon Fela Anikulapo Kuti was honoured posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award, highlighting the growing global recognition of African creativity and cultural influence.
Tyla’s latest Grammy victory further confirms that African music is not only thriving, but also commanding a powerful place on the world stage.
