Tyla Triumphs Again, Clinches Grammy Glory Ahead of African Heavyweights
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 artiste clinched the prize with her song Push 2 Start, marking her second victory in the category.
She previously won the award in its inaugural 2024 edition for her global hit Water, becoming the first artiste to secure the title twice since the category was introduced.
The latest win further underscores 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 authentically showcase African music and creativity.
Tyla’s repeated success has drawn attention to her ability to blend amapiano, pop, and R&B into a sound 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 social media dance challenges.
The song combines amapiano rhythms with polished pop production, alongside 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).
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 sustained global chart success with Water.
The 68th Grammy Awards also marked a significant moment for African music, with legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti honoured posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award the night before, further spotlighting the continent’s growing cultural influence.
