Grammys 2026: South African singer, Tyla, edges out Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr
See winners of other categories
South African star Tyla has emerged as the winner of the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 Grammy Awards, defeating Nigerian heavyweights Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr in a fiercely contested field.
The singer secured the global prize with her hit track “Push 2 Start,” outshining 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.
The category, created to celebrate African music on the world stage, once again saw a strong Nigerian presence, with three Nigerian artistes making the final shortlist.
Tyla’s victory marks her second win in the category, having first made history in 2024 when she became the inaugural recipient with her breakout hit Water.
Her latest triumph further cements her growing global influence and the rising dominance of African sounds at the Grammys.
Major Winners at the 2026 Grammy Awards (Selected Categories)
Best African Music Performance, won by Tyla
The African category featured strong contenders from across the continent and the diaspora, with Tyla taking the top prize for “Push 2 Start.”
Other nominated tracks included:
- Love — Burna Boy
- With You — Davido featuring Omah Lay
- Hope & Love — Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
- Gimme Dat — Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid
Best Global Music Album
This year’s global album honour went to Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia for Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo.
The remaining nominees were:
- Sounds Of Kumbha — Siddhant Bhatia
- No Sign of Weakness — Burna Boy
- Éclairer le monde (Light the World) — Youssou N’Dour
- Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) — Shakti
- Chapter III: We Return to Light — Anoushka Shankar featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar
Record of the Year
Kendrick Lamar and SZA claimed the prestigious award with “Luther.”
Other songs in contention included:
Bad Bunny’s DtMF, Sabrina Carpenter’s Manchild, Doechii’s Anxiety, Billie Eilish’s Wildflower, Lady Gaga’s Abracadabra, Chappell Roan’s The Subway, and APT. by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
Album of the Year
The night’s biggest album honour went to Bad Bunny for Debí Tirar Más Fotos.
Also nominated were projects from Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse (Pusha T & Malice), Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Leon Thomas and Tyler, the Creator.
Song of the Year
The songwriting award was won by Billie Eilish and Finneas for “Wildflower.”
Competing compositions included works by Lady Gaga, Doechii, Rosé & Bruno Mars, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, and Sabrina Carpenter.
Best Pop Solo Performance
Lola Young secured the win with “Messy.”
Other nominees were Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan.
Best Pop Vocal Album
Lady Gaga triumphed with Mayhem, beating albums by Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus and Teddy Swims.
Best New Artist
The breakout star honour went to Olivia Dean, ahead of Katseye, The Marias, Addison Rae, Sombr, Leon Thomas, Alex Warren and Lola Young.
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