Tyla beats Davido, Burna, Wizkid to win Best African Music Performance at 68th Grammy awards

South African pop sensation 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 singer clinched the prize with her song “Push 2 Start,” marking her second victory in the category since its introduction. Tyla first won the award in 2024 for her global hit “Water,” becoming the first artiste to win the category twice.

Her latest win further cements her growing influence on the global music stage and reinforces her status as one of Africa’s most successful contemporary pop exports.

The Best African Music Performance category was introduced in 2024 to celebrate recordings that authentically showcase African sounds. Nigerian singer Tems won the category in 2025.

“Push 2 Start,” a track off Tyla’s self-titled debut album Tyla, released in 2024, gained widespread acclaim through streaming platforms and viral dance challenges on social media. The song blends amapiano rhythms with pop and R&B influences, exploring themes of romance and self-confidence.

Tyla’s consistent Grammy success highlights her ability to repackage African sounds—particularly amapiano—into a globally resonant style.

Highly Contested Category

The 2026 category featured a strong line-up of African heavyweights, with Nigerian stars dominating the nominations. 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 rise reflects a remarkable career trajectory. Since emerging from Johannesburg and signing with an international label in 2021, she has achieved major milestones, including a top-25 debut on the Billboard 200 and sustained global chart success.

The 68th Grammy Awards also underscored Africa’s growing cultural footprint, as legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, further spotlighting the continent’s enduring influence on global music.