Tyla Makes History with Second Grammy Win for Best African Music Performance

Tyla Secures Historic Second Win: Beating Afrobeats Stars like Davido, Ayra Starr and Others

Tyla continues her unprecedented streak by claiming the Best African Music Performance trophy, proving that her unique fusion of Amapiano and global pop remains the definitive sound for the Recording Academy.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held last night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, solidified Tyla’s position as a global musical powerhouse. The South African sensation secured the award for Best African Music Performance for her hit single "PUSH 2 START," marking a pivotal moment in the genre’s integration into the mainstream. This victory comes just two years after she became the inaugural recipient of the same award, signaling a remarkable consistency in her artistry and commercial appeal.

The win for "PUSH 2 START" underscores the continued global dominance of the Amapiano inflected pop sound that Tyla has pioneered. 

The track, a standout from her self-titled debut album, resonated with both the Recording Academy and international audiences through its innovative production and infectious choreography. By securing this trophy, Tyla has managed to bridge the gap between regional South African sounds and the global pop charts, proving that her initial success with "Water" was far from a one-hit phenomenon.

The competition for the 2026 Best African Music Performance category was exceptionally fierce, featuring a lineup of industry titans. Tyla emerged victorious over fellow nominees including Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr. The inclusion of such high-caliber artists in this category highlights the depth and diversity of African music on the world stage. While the results have sparked intense debate among Afrobeats enthusiasts, Tyla’s win reflects the Recording Academy’s current affinity for the distinctive, rhythmic precision of the South African music scene.

During her acceptance speech, the Johannesburg-born singer expressed profound gratitude to her dedicated fanbase, known as the "Tygers," and emphasized her commitment to representing her heritage. Tyla’s victory is viewed by many industry analysts as a win for the entire Southern African music industry, providing a massive platform for a sound that was once confined to local clubs. Her ability to maintain such high momentum following her 2024 debut suggests a long-term staying power that few emerging artists achieve.

The victory is particularly poignant given the timing, arriving just days after the artist celebrated her 24th birthday. This career milestone places her in an elite group of young performers who have managed to secure multiple Grammys within the first few years of their international careers. Beyond the trophy itself, the win provides "PUSH 2 START" with a significant boost in streaming and radio rotations, ensuring the track remains a staple on global charts throughout the upcoming year.

As African music continues to evolve and splinter into various successful sub-genres, Tyla’s success serves as a blueprint for how local sounds can be polished for a worldwide audience without losing their cultural essence. The Recording Academy’s recognition of her work for a second time suggests that the Best African Music Performance category has become one of the most watched and influential segments of the ceremony. It no longer sits on the periphery but is central to the conversation regarding the future of global pop music.

With this second Grammy win under her belt, Tyla is expected to embark on a major world tour, further cementing her status as a premier live performer. The music industry now looks toward her next project to see how she will continue to evolve her sound and maintain her streak of critical and commercial success. For now, "PUSH 2 START" stands as a testament to her unique vision and the unstoppable rise of African talent in the 21st century.