South African pop sensation Laura “Tyla” Seethal has urged the global music industry to recognise more African artistes at the Grammy Awards, following her historic second win in the Best African Music Performance category.
The 24-year-old singer secured the award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. With the victory, Tyla became the first artiste to win the category twice since it was introduced in 2024.
She claimed the honour with her single Push 2 Start, earning her second Grammy in the category after her breakthrough win in 2024 with the international hit Water. The achievement further cements her status as one of Africa’s most successful contemporary pop exports.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony in an interview with Billboard, Tyla described the moment as surreal and reflective of the growing opportunities for African musicians on the world stage.
“I’m so grateful. This is insane,” she said. “It really shows how far we can take this. Coming from where I’m from, it means we truly have a chance, and that’s amazing.”
Despite celebrating her personal success, the singer stressed that more African talents deserve similar recognition. She recalled her early aspirations of seeing African women celebrated at the highest levels of global music.
“When I was younger, I wanted to see my girls winning Grammys and everything,” Tyla said. “We’re getting there, but we still need more. I’m excited for the African superstars who are doing incredible work right now to be recognised too. We are coming.”
Tyla’s music, known for its fusion of amapiano, pop and R&B, has found wide international appeal. Push 2 Start, which appears on her self-titled debut album Tyla released in 2024, gained strong momentum through streaming platforms and viral dance challenges on social media. The song blends themes of romance and self-assurance with distinctive amapiano rhythms.
The Best African Music Performance category, created in 2024, was designed to honour recordings that reflect both traditional African sounds and modern musical innovation. Nigeria’s Tems won the award in 2025, while this year’s nominations showcased a strong African line-up, dominated largely by Nigerian artistes.
Nominees in the 2026 category included Burna Boy (Love), Davido featuring Omah Lay (With You), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (Gimme Dat), and Eddy Kenzo featuring Mehran Matin (Hope & Love). Although none of the Nigerian nominees won the award, Burna Boy also received a nomination for Best Global Music Album with No Sign of Weakness. That category was ultimately won by Brazilian music icons Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia for their collaborative project Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo.
Tyla’s latest triumph marks the second time she has edged out Nigerian contenders in the Best African Music Performance category, underscoring her growing influence on the global stage.
Beyond individual wins, the 68th Grammy Awards highlighted the rising international impact of African music. The ceremony also paid tribute to legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who was honoured posthumously with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring legacy and influence on global music culture.
