South African pop star Tyla is proving once again that she’s unstoppable on the world stage, bagging her second Grammy nomination for her infectious single “Push 2 Start.”
The “Water” hitmaker’s consistent international success is highlighted by the 2026 Grammy nod, placing her in the highly competitive Best African Music Performance category. This follows her historic 2024 Grammy win for “Water,” which cemented her status as the first South African solo artist in over five decades to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
The Competition: Best African Music Performance
The 23-year-old star is going up against some of Africa’s biggest names for the coveted award:
| Performing Artist(s) | Song Title |
| Tyla | “Push 2 Start” |
| Davido featuring Omah Lay | “With You” |
| Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid | “Gimme Dat” |
| Eddy Kenzo with Mehran Matin | “Hope & Love” |
🎶 About “Push 2 Start”
“Push 2 Start” captures Tyla’s signature sound—a confident blend of amapiano, pop, R&B, and reggae, carried by her smooth, sultry vocals. Using the metaphor of starting a car, the song explores themes of momentum, risk, and desire, embodying the rush of taking chances and embracing new beginnings. The track’s nomination reinforces Tyla’s growing influence as one of Africa’s most exciting global exports.
👑 Another Grammy Nomination for Tyla! South African Pop Star Scores Second Nod in Two Years
South African pop sensation Tyla has officially cemented her status as a global powerhouse, securing her second Grammy nomination for her hit single, “Push 2 Start.”
The “Water” songstress, who made history by winning the inaugural award in this category in 2024, has been nominated in the Best African Music Performance category for the upcoming 2026 Grammy® Awards.
📈 Significance of the Nomination
This latest nomination adds to an already remarkable journey for the 23-year-old star. Her breakout hit, “Water,” not only earned her a Grammy win in 2024 but also made her the first South African solo artist in over five decades to enter the Billboard Hot 100.This second nod reaffirms her growing influence and the undeniable global reach of African music.
The Best African Music Performance category, introduced just in 2024, has quickly become one of the most exciting and watched categories, reflecting the immense impact of Afrobeats and other African genres on the international music scene.
Who do you think has the strongest chance of winning the Best African Music Performance award this year?
