South African singer Tyla has won her second Grammy, taking the Best African Music Performance award for “Push-to-Start,” a track from her debut album, the Recording Academy announced Monday. The victory makes Tyla the first artist to win the category twice after her 2024 win for the global hit “Water.”
The award caps a rapid rise for the Johannesburg-born performer, whose blend of pop, R&B and South African township sounds has found a wide international audience. The Recording Academy recognized “Push-to-Start” amid a strong field, underscoring the category’s growing profile as a showcase for contemporary African music.
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Nominees Tyla beat included:
- Burna Boy
- Davido featuring Omah Lay
- Eddy Kenzo
- Mehran Matin
- Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid
Industry observers said the repeat win highlights how quickly artists from the continent are winning mainstream global attention and industry accolades. For Tyla, it also reinforces momentum behind new material: she has confirmed that work is underway on a second album, tentatively titled T2.
“Push-to-Start,” which appeared on her debut LP, was judged by peers in the academy for its performance and production; Tyla’s earlier success with “Water” helped raise expectations for projects that follow. The Recording Academy has expanded and reshaped several categories in recent years to reflect the internationalization of popular music, and winners like Tyla are a visible result of that shift.
The Grammys broadcast featured other notable outcomes. Comedian and host Trevor Noah, who was also nominated, did not take home the award in the Best Audio Book category; that prize went to The Dalai Lama for Meditations.
Tyla’s second Grammy arrives as she prepares to build on a breakout period that included major festival appearances, high-profile collaborations and a string of chart entries. The double win in Best African Music Performance positions her as one of the prominent young artists representing modern African pop on the global stage.
As the music industry continues to spotlight African artists, the Recording Academy’s choices this season are likely to shape playlists, festival bookings and the next round of cross-border collaborations. For Tyla, the immediate task will be turning the acclaim into sustained artistic growth and a follow-up record that meets the expectations created by two consecutive Grammy wins.
By News-room
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
