Tyla and Davido Set to Battle for Supremacy Once Again at the 2026 Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance in Los Angeles

Tyla and Davido Set for High Stakes Rematch at 2026 Grammy Awards

The Recording Academy has officially set the stage for a historic showdown as Tyla and Davido face off for Best African Music Performance. This 2026 nomination marks their second major battle, highlighting the incredible global momentum and competitive spirit currently defining the African music landscape.

The Recording Academy has officially unveiled the nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, setting the stage for a high stakes rematch in the Best African Music Performance category. 

South African pop sensation Tyla and Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido are once again at the forefront of the conversation, both securing nods in a category that has quickly become one of the most watched segments of the premiere ceremony. The 2026 awards mark the second time these two global powerhouses will face off for the same golden gramophone, fueling excitement across the continent's music landscape.

Tyla, who made history in 2024 by becoming the inaugural winner of this category with her global smash "Water," returns to the ballot with her infectious track "Push 2 Start." Since her breakout win, the South African star has maintained a meteoric rise, blending Amapiano with contemporary R&B to solidify her place in the global pop circuit. Her nomination this year is seen by many industry insiders as a testament to her staying power, proving that her initial Grammy success was not merely a viral moment but the beginning of a sustained era of dominance.

Davido, one of Africa’s most decorated and influential artists, enters the race with "With You," a standout collaboration featuring fellow Nigerian star Omah Lay. This nomination marks a significant milestone for Davido, who has remained a consistent force in the Recording Academy's eyes following his triple-nomination sweep in 2024 for his album Timeless. For the "Unavailable" singer, a win in 2026 would serve as a crowning achievement in a career that has spanned over a decade of pioneering the Afrobeats movement on a worldwide scale.

The rivalry between the two stars is rooted in the 2024 ceremony, where Tyla’s "Water" triumphed over Davido’s "Unavailable," a result that sparked intense debate among fans and music critics alike. While Davido was gracious in defeat, the 2026 nomination provides a rare opportunity for a "rematch" of sorts. This year, however, the playing field is even more crowded with heavyweight talent, ensuring that the path to victory will require more than just star power.

Joining Tyla and Davido in the Best African Music Performance category are several other heavy hitters who could easily pull off an upset. The "African Giant" Burna Boy is nominated for his soulful track "Love," while Ayra Starr and Wizkid have secured a nod for their collaborative hit "Gimme Dat." Rounding out the competitive list are Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin for their uplifting anthem "Hope & Love." The diversity of genres from Afrobeats to East African rhythms highlights the Academy's expanding appreciation for the continent's sonic variety.

As the music industry prepares for the ceremony on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the spotlight remains firmly on how these artists are reshaping the global sound. The Best African Music Performance category, now in its third year, has become a symbol of the Recording Academy's commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of regional excellence. Whether Tyla will reclaim her throne or Davido will finally secure his first-ever Grammy win remains the most anticipated storyline of the season.

The 68th Grammy Awards will be broadcast live, and the world will be watching to see if the "Water" singer can repeat her historic feat or if the veteran Davido will emerge victorious in this latest chapter of African musical excellence.