South African singer Tyla edges out Davido to clinch Grammy

South African singer Tyla has won her second Grammy, beating four others, including three Nigerian artists, to take the Best African Music Performance award.

The 24-year-old won for her song Push 2 Start, which was preferred over tracks by Ayra Starr, Burna Boy and Davido, as well as Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo.

Tyla bagged the same prize in 2024 for her global hit Water, also beating a host of Nigerian stars.

Reacting to her win after the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, she exclaimed: “This is insane, this is so insane! I’m just so lucky to be here and I’m so proud to be African. I’m excited to see more of us over here.”

“Congratulations Tyla” has been trending on social media in South Africa and elsewhere.

“South Africa is proud of you ! We are proud of you!,” one X user posted.

Another said that while they had wished that Starr had won, they conceded that Tyla had worked hard: “You deserve it.”

Another South African – comedian Trevor Noah – also had a big night, hosting the main ceremony for the sixth year in a row.

List of nominees in Best African Music Performance category:

• Love – Burna Boy
• With You – Davido featuring Omah Lay
• Hope & Love – Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
• Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid
• Push 2 Start – Tyla

Burna Boy was also nominated in the Best Global Music Album category, alongside Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour, while Angelique Kidjo also got a nod in the Best Global Music Performance category.

None of them won.

One Nigerian star did bag an award though – Fela Kuti was given a Lifetime Achievement Award 29 years after his death.