Tyla makes history as first two-time winner of Best African Music Performance at 68th Grammy Awards

South Africa’s musical trailblazer, Tyla, solidified her status as a global icon last night at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, securing the trophy for Best African Music Performance for her chart-topping single, “Push 2 Start.”

The win is a landmark moment for the 24-year-old singer, who became the first artist to win this category twice since its introduction by the Recording Academy in 2024. Coming just days after her 24th birthday, the victory serves as a testament to her rapid ascent and the enduring appeal of her unique “Popiano” sound.

Tyla emerged victorious in a highly competitive year that showcased the immense talent currently coming out of the continent. She was nominated alongside heavyweights including Nigeria’s Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido featuring Omah Lay (“With You”), and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (“Gimme Dat”), as well as Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin (“Hope & Love”).

“I’m so grateful, this is insane,” Tyla shared during her acceptance. “It just shows how far we can take it. We really have a chance, and it’s exciting to watch more of us doing crazy things on this stage.”

The journey of “Push 2 Start”
Released on October 11, 2024, as a lead single for TYLA +—the deluxe edition of her self-titled debut album—“Push 2 Start” has been a force on global charts. Produced by the powerhouse team of Sammy Soso, Ari PenSmith, and Mocha, the track perfected the fusion of Amapiano, Pop, and R&B that Tyla has championed since her breakout.

The song’s momentum was undeniable following a viral teaser at the 2024 MTV VMAs and a visually stunning music video directed by Aerin Moreno. Throughout 2025, the track remained a staple on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs and UK Afrobeats Singles charts, proving that Tyla’s influence extends far beyond a single viral moment.

A night for African excellence
Beyond Tyla’s individual success, the 68th Grammys celebrated African music’s broader legacy. The evening was particularly poignant as it followed the posthumous honoring of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti with a Lifetime Achievement Award, a move Tyla noted as an inspiration for the new generation of artists “sharing the weight” of the continent’s cultural export.

With two Grammy Awards now to her name, Tyla continues to redefine the boundaries of African pop, setting a new gold standard for artists worldwide.