In an update published by Channels TV, South African singer Tyla has once again secured the “Best African Music Performance” award at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Tyla’s hit song “Push 2 Start” allowed her to beat out prominent Nigerian nominees, including Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr, marking her second win in this highly competitive category.
The victory has sparked significant conversation across the continent regarding the shifting dynamics of African music on the global stage. While Nigerian Afrobeats has dominated the charts for years, the rise of South African Amapiano-influenced sounds continues to gain massive traction with the Recording Academy and international audiences alike.
The Punch reported on the reaction from the Nigerian music industry, quoting a local producer who said: “This is a wake-up call for Afrobeats artists to keep innovating.” Premium Times also validated the win, highlighting that President Bola Tinubu praised the overall recognition of African talent at the awards. A report by Daily Nigerian quoted the President: “Fela’s posthumous honour and the success of our young stars show that Africa’s voice is louder than ever.”
Echotitbits take:
Tyla’s win signifies that the Grammy’s “African” category is no longer a default win for Nigerian stars. The competition is healthy and reflects a more diverse representation of African sounds. Watch for more cross-border collaborations between South African and Nigerian artists as they look to consolidate their influence on the global Billboard charts in 2026.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/grammys-2026-tyla-beats-burna-boy-davido-ayra-starr-to-win-best-african-music-performance/, and February 2, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
