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 pop star, who recently turned 24, clinched the prize with her song Push 2 Start, marking her second win in the category.
Tyla previously won the award at its inaugural edition in 2024 for her global hit Water, becoming the first artiste to win the category twice since it was introduced.
The latest victory 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 created in 2024 to recognise recordings that showcase African music and artistry. Tems won the award in 2025.
Tyla’s successive wins have drawn attention to her ability to blend amapiano, pop, and R&B into a sound that resonates with international audiences.
Push 2 Start, taken from her self-titled debut album Tyla, released in 2024, gained widespread popularity through streaming platforms and viral dance challenges on social media. The track fuses amapiano rhythms with pop sensibilities, exploring themes of romance and self-confidence.
The 2026 Best African Music Performance category featured a strong and competitive 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 global chart success with Water.
The 68th Grammy Awards also marked a significant moment for African music, as legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti was honoured posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award on the eve of the ceremony, further spotlighting the continent’s enduring cultural influence.
