South Africa’s global pop sensation Tyla has once again captured the world’s attention following the announcement of the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations. The 23-year-old superstar earned a nod for her hit single “Push 2 Start” in the prestigious Best African Music Performance category proving that her global dominance is no passing trend.
This comes just a year after she made history by winning her first Grammy for “Water” in the same category, becoming the first South African woman to do so. That breakthrough moment solidified her as one of Africa’s brightest exports and a trailblazer in global pop culture.
Tyla’s nomination this year places her among an elite group of African musicians recognized for their impact on the world stage. Nigerian megastar Burna Boy, a four-time Grammy nominee and one-time winner, returns with his heartfelt song “Love.” Fellow Nigerian heavyweight Davido teams up with Omah Lay on “With You,” while Afrobeats darling Ayra Starr scores a nomination for “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid. Rounding out the list is Uganda’s own Eddy Kenzo, whose uplifting collaboration “Hope & Love” with Mehran Matin highlights East Africa’s growing global presence.
The Best African Music Performance category, introduced in 2024, continues to showcase the continent’s rich musical diversity — from Nigeria’s Afrobeats and Ghana’s highlife to South Africa’s Amapiano. Tyla’s smooth blend of Amapiano, R&B, and pop has redefined the global perception of African sound, earning her millions of fans and critical acclaim.
Beyond the African categories, the competition is fierce in the Grammys’ top honors. The Song of the Year category features heavyweights such as Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight,” Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” and SZA’s “Saturn.” Meanwhile, the Record of the Year race pits Beyoncé’s “Renaissance II,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “Sweet Poison,” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Rebirth” against each other — setting the stage for one of the most anticipated Grammy nights in recent years.
The Album of the Year nominees include Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, Kendrick Lamar, and Bad Bunny, highlighting the global range of artistry the Recording Academy seeks to celebrate.
