South African pop sensation Tyla has reaffirmed her global dominance after clinching the Best African Music Performance award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, edging out Nigeria’s top stars — Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid — in one of the night’s most competitive categories.
Tyla won the prestigious award with her viral hit “Push 2 Start,” outshining Burna Boy’s “Love,” Davido and Omah Lay’s “With You,” Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat,” as well as Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin’s “Hope & Love.”
The category, which was introduced to celebrate African creativity, continues to highlight the continent’s influence on global music as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and African pop attract massive international attention.
This latest victory solidifies Tyla’s position as one of Africa’s most successful global acts and extends her growing legacy. It also underscores South Africa’s expanding footprint in the international music scene.
For Nigeria, however, it was a night of disappointment. Despite multiple nominations across major categories, no Nigerian artiste took home a Grammy in 2026. Heavyweights like Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and Wizkid all missed out on wins, marking a rare year when the powerhouse of African music left the Grammys empty-handed.
Burna Boy faced another setback in the Best Global Music Album category, where his album “No Sign of Weakness” lost to Brazilian icons Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia, who won with their live project “Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo.”
Tyla’s latest win is particularly historic — she becomes a two-time winner of the Best African Music Performance category, having made history in 2024 as the inaugural winner with her global smash “Water.” Her repeat success reflects her consistency, worldwide appeal, and the growing recognition of African female artists on the global stage.
With chart-topping songs, vibrant performances, and a rapidly expanding fan base, Tyla’s ascent mirrors the broader global embrace of African sounds. As Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres dominate international charts, the competition among the continent’s stars at the Grammys continues to intensify — signaling a new golden era for African music.
