By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GettyImages.
South African singer Tyla won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 2026 awards for her hit single Push 2 Start.
The 24-year-old song was preferred over tracks by Ayra Starr, Burna Boy and Davido, as well as Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo.
The award was presented at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
Push 2 Start has become one of the year’s biggest streaming hits from the continent. The track has amassed more than 440-million streams on Spotify alone and tens of millions of views on YouTube, giving it a significant presence internationally.
Tyla stunned on the red carpet in a creation styled by Ronnie Hart, a Dsquared2 2013 Fall/Winter collection dress designed with a feather skirt that led into a dramatic train and a low-dipping neckline adorned with gold embellishments.
Reacting to her win after the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, she exclaimed: “This is insane, this is so insane! I’m just so lucky to be here and I’m so proud to be African. I’m excited to see more of us over here.”
Burna Boy was also nominated in the Best Global Music Album category, alongside Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour, while Angelique Kidjo also got a nod in the Best Global Music Performance category.
None of them got to take home the famous gramophone player statuette.
Another South African – comedian Trevor Noah – also had a big night, hosting the main ceremony for the sixth, and last time.
Meanwhile the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has congratulated, Tyla on her latest Grammy Award win.
McKenzie said the win was a moment of immense national pride.
“Tyla continues to make history and to fly the South African flag high on the world’s biggest cultural stages. This Grammy win is not only a recognition of her individual brilliance, but a celebration of South African creativity, resilience and innovation.”
He added: “Her journey shows young people across our country that global excellence is possible from right here at home. Through her music, Tyla is telling a South African story to the world, and the world is listening.