South African star Tyla wins second Grammy Award for 'PUSH 2 START'

Tyla has once again made history, winning her second Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on Sunday, February 1, in Los Angeles. The South African star claimed the prestigious honor for her hit song “PUSH 2 START,” from the deluxe edition of her self-titled debut album.

This marks a defining milestone for Tyla, who becomes the first artist to win in this category twice, having previously triumphed with her smash hit “Water” in 2024. Her latest victory, which coincides with her 24th birthday, underscores the lasting impact of her sound and the global reach of African music.

Though Tyla was absent from the pre-telecast ceremony where the award was initially announced, she later walked the red carpet in a stunning archival Dsquared2 gown, complete with a dramatic feather train. The artist celebrated her birthday in style, attending the Grammys after a star-studded birthday bash in Los Angeles just days before.

Tyla was up against a strong lineup of nominees in the Best African Music Performance category, including Burna Boy's “Love,” Davido and Omah Lay's “With You,” Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat,” and Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin’s “Hope and Love.” Each nominee offered a unique blend of regional sounds and collaborations, adding to the rich diversity of contemporary African music.

Tyla’s song “PUSH 2 START” also features a remix with Jamaican rapper Sean Paul, further expanding her global reach. The song builds on the momentum established by her earlier releases, such as “Water,” which helped introduce her to a wider audience.

Reflecting on her success, Tyla shared in an interview that she couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present than winning her second Grammy. In a lighthearted moment, she also joked that her father would be keeping her new Grammy in his room - a proud gesture of support for his daughter’s achievements.

Born Tyla Seethal in Edenvale, East Rand, Johannesburg, Tyla’s journey to global recognition has been nothing short of remarkable. She initially gained traction in the South African music scene with her unique blend of amapiano rhythms and catchy pop structures.

Tyla’s breakthrough came when her debut single “Water” became a hit, marking the start of her rise on the international stage. Her ability to merge local sounds with global trends has made her one of the brightest stars in South African music, and her success at the Grammys reflects the increasing international recognition of South African artists.

Tyla has since become a beacon of South Africa’s vibrant music industry, alongside fellow Grammy winners like Zakes Bantwini, Black Coffee, and Miriam Makeba.