South African singer Tyla has won the Best African Music Performance award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The 24-year-old secured the honour with her hit single “Push 2 Start”, marking her second win in the category. She previously claimed the award in 2024 for her global breakout single “Water”, becoming the first artist to win the category twice since its introduction.
The latest victory further cements Tyla’s growing global influence and positions her as one of Africa’s most successful young pop exports.
Introduced in 2024, the Best African Music Performance category recognises recordings that highlight the richness and diversity of African music. Tyla’s success has drawn attention to her distinctive sound, which blends amapiano, pop, and R&B in a style that resonates strongly with international audiences.
“Push 2 Start,” lifted from her self-titled debut album Tyla released in 2024, gained widespread popularity through streaming platforms and viral dance challenges. The track combines amapiano rhythms with polished pop production, exploring themes of romance and self-confidence.
This year’s nominations featured some of Africa’s biggest names, particularly from Nigeria. Fellow nominees included Burna Boy (Love), Davido featuring Omah Lay (With You), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (Gimme Dat), and Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (Hope & Love).
Beyond the award, Tyla’s rise underscores a remarkable career trajectory. Since emerging from Johannesburg and signing to 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 2026 Grammys were also significant for African music more broadly, as legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, spotlighting Africa’s enduring cultural impact on the global stage.
