Tyla Wins 2026 Grammy Award – Best African Music Performance
South African sensation Tyla has made Grammy history once again, winning the prestigious Best African Music Performance award at the 2026 Grammy Awards (Checkout: The 2026 Grammy Nominations) for her hit single “Push 2 Start.” The 24-year-old star continues her remarkable winning streak, claiming her second Grammy in this category following her 2024 triumph with the global smash hit “Water.”
The Winning Moment
Tyla’s “Push 2 Start” emerged victorious over a competitive field of African music heavyweights. The talented South African artist defeated four formidable nominees including Nigerian superstar Burna Boy with “Love,” Davido featuring Omah Lay on “With You,” Ugandan legend Eddy Kenzo alongside Mehran Matin with “Hope & Love,” and Nigerian rising star Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid on “Gimme Dat.”
The win cements Tyla’s position as one of Africa’s most celebrated musical exports and demonstrates the continued global recognition of African music excellence. At just 24 years old, her back-to-back Grammy wins in the Best African Music Performance category represent a historic achievement that few artists accomplish so early in their careers.
From “Water” to “Push 2 Start”
Tyla first captured the Grammy spotlight in 2024 when her breakthrough single “Water” won Best African Music Performance, introducing her distinctive sound to global audiences. The song became a worldwide phenomenon, dominating charts, inspiring viral dance challenges on social media, and establishing Tyla as a force in contemporary African pop music. Her 2026 win with “Push 2 Start” proves that her initial success wasn’t a fluke but rather the beginning of a sustained rise to international stardom.
“Push 2 Start” showcases Tyla’s evolution as an artist, blending her signature Amapiano-influenced sound with contemporary pop sensibilities that resonate across continents. The track’s infectious rhythm, catchy hooks, and Tyla’s distinctive vocal delivery have made it a favorite on streaming platforms worldwide, accumulating millions of plays and further solidifying her status as a global music icon.
Competition and Recognition
The Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 Grammys featured an impressive lineup representing the diversity and richness of African music. Burna Boy, already a Grammy winner himself, brought his signature Afrofusion sound with “Love.” Davido, one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports, collaborated with rising star Omah Lay on the smooth track “With You.” Ugandan veteran Eddy Kenzo partnered with Mehran Matin for the uplifting “Hope & Love,” while Ayra Starr teamed up with legendary Wizkid for the energetic “Gimme Dat.”
Despite this formidable competition, Tyla’s “Push 2 Start” stood out to Grammy voters, highlighting the song’s unique appeal and the artist’s growing influence in shaping the sound of contemporary African music. The recognition also underscores the Recording Academy’s continued commitment to celebrating African musical excellence on the global stage.
What This Means for African Music
Tyla’s consecutive Grammy wins represent more than personal achievement—they symbolize the ongoing global embrace of African music. The Best African Music Performance category, which has become one of the most competitive at the Grammys, showcases the continent’s incredible musical diversity from Amapiano to Afrobeats, from East African sounds to Southern African rhythms.
For young African artists watching Tyla’s journey, her success provides inspiration and proof that African music can compete and win on the world’s biggest stages. Her achievements have helped pave the way for greater recognition of African talent internationally while encouraging record labels, producers, and artists across the continent to continue pushing creative boundaries.
Looking Ahead
At just 24 years old with two Grammy Awards already in her collection, Tyla’s career trajectory suggests many more achievements lie ahead. Her ability to consistently create music that resonates globally while maintaining her African musical identity positions her as one of the most exciting artists to watch in contemporary music. As she continues to evolve and experiment with her sound, the music world eagerly anticipates what this young South African star will deliver next.
Congratulations to Tyla on her historic 2026 Grammy win for “Push 2 Start” and her continued excellence in representing African music on the global stage!
