Tyla Smashes Nigeria’s Big 3 to Win Best African Music Performance at 2026 Grammys
South African singer Tyla has stunned the music world by clinching the Best African Music Performance award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, defeating Nigeria’s top stars, including Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr.
The award was presented on February 1, 2026, at the legendary Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, spotlighting Tyla’s hit track “Push 2 Start” as the standout African performance of the year.
Historic Second Win for Tyla
At just 24 years old, Tyla became the first artist to win the Best African Music Performance category twice. She previously won the inaugural award in 2024 with her global smash “Water”, marking a rare and significant achievement for an African pop artist on the world stage.
Her latest triumph underscores her broad appeal, blending amapiano, pop and R&B elements in a sound that resonates with global audiences while retaining strong African musical identity.
Nigerian Stars Miss Out in Competitive Category
Despite strong entries from Nigerian heavyweights, the Grammy voters opted for Tyla’s fresh, cross-genre sound:
Burna Boy was nominated for “Love.”
Davido, alongside Omah Lay, was shortlisted for “With You.”
Ayra Starr joined forces with Wizkid on “Gimme Dat,” also in contention.
The loss sparked reactions across social media from Nigerian music lovers and commentators, many reflecting on the evolving global soundscape and the Grammys’ criteria for evaluating African music.
Social Media and Fan Reactions
The results triggered mixed responses online, with discussions centering on the criteria for judging African music on the global platform. Some praised Tyla’s energetic performance and international appeal, while others questioned why several major Nigerian artists again missed out despite dominating charts and streaming platforms worldwide.
Grammy Spotlight on African Music
Introduced in 2024, the Best African Music Performance category was created to honour African artistry within the global music industry and amplify the continent’s sound on the world stage. Tyla’s back-to-back wins demonstrate her rising influence and highlight the diversity within African music.
Her success also reflects major shifts in how African music is consumed globally, especially with tracks gaining viral popularity across streaming platforms and social media dance challenges.
Looking Ahead
While the 2026 Grammy results were celebrated internationally, Nigerian fans and industry watchers are already looking toward future awards and strategies to ensure home-grown talent continues to get recognition on the world’s biggest stages.
