2026 Grammy: Tyla beats Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr to best African music performance

South African singer Tyla emerged as the winner of the Best African Music Performance award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, edging out top Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr in a highly competitive category.

Tyla secured the prestigious honour with her hit single Push 2 Start, which impressed Grammy voters and outshone Burna Boy’s Love, Davido’s With You featuring Omah Lay, Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s Gimme Dat, as well as Hope & Love by Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin.

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The Best African Music Performance category, introduced to celebrate and amplify African sounds on the global stage, once again highlighted the continent’s growing influence in world music.

This year’s nominations reflected the dominance of Afrobeats and other African genres, with Nigerian artistes maintaining a strong presence.

Nigeria was particularly well represented on the final shortlist, as Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr all earned nominations, reaffirming the country’s continued impact on the global music scene despite missing out on the top prize.

Tyla’s win further cements her rising international profile and underscores South Africa’s growing contribution to Africa’s global music export, as the Grammys continue to recognise the diversity and reach of African music.