South African pop sensation Tyla reaffirmed her growing dominance on the global music scene after clinching the Best African Music Performance award at the 2026 Grammy Awards. She edged out a strong lineup of Nigerian heavyweights — Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid — in one of the night’s most competitive categories.
The singer claimed the prize 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.” Introduced to celebrate African creativity, the category continues to command global attention as Afrobeats and African pop music expand their mainstream influence.
This win further cements Tyla’s fast-rising dominance on the international award scene and highlights South Africa’s growing footprint in the global music ecosystem. She is now a two-time winner in this category, having first made history in 2024 with her breakout hit “Water.”
For Nigeria, however, the night ended in disappointment. Despite strong nominations, no Nigerian artist returned home with a Grammy trophy in 2026. Burna Boy also missed out in the Best Global Music Album category, losing to Brazilian legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia.
Tyla’s sustained success underscores a broader global shift in the consumption and recognition of African music. With Afrobeats, Amapiano and African pop increasingly dominating playlists across Europe and the United States, competition among African artists at the Grammys is intensifying, signalling a new era for Africa’s sound on the global stage.
