South African singer Tyla won the Best African Music Performance award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for her hit single “Push 2 Start,” held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The victory marked a milestone for Tyla, who emerged as one of the most influential new voices in African music.
The category included strong competition from leading Nigerian artists. Burna Boy, often described as one of Africa’s global music ambassadors, was nominated alongside Davido featuring Omah Lay for their collaborative track and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid. Despite stiff competition, Tyla’s performance won over the Recording Academy’s voting members, earning her recognition for both her vocal talent and the international impact of her music.
Tyla, who rose to prominence with viral hits across social media platforms and streaming services, expressed gratitude in her acceptance speech on stage, highlighting her pride in representing South Africa and African music on a global stage. “This is for Africa,” she said, acknowledging both her team and fans worldwide.
The Nigerian nominees — Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid — continue to hold significant influence in the global music scene, with multiple Grammy nominations in past years. Analysts say Tyla’s win reflects the growing diversity of African music being recognised internationally, and the increasing visibility of South African artists alongside Nigerian stars who have dominated the Afrobeat and Afropop genres for more than a decade.
Industry observers note that this category highlights how African music has moved from regional popularity to a truly global phenomenon, with streaming platforms and international collaborations driving broader recognition. Tyla’s win is likely to inspire other emerging African artists to pursue international platforms while maintaining roots in local music traditions.
