Afrobeats Dominates 68th Grammys: Tyla Makes History, Fela Kuti Honored
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, unequivocally cemented the global ascension of African music, particularly Afrobeats. While the "Best African Music Performance" category continues to be a vibrant battleground for the continent's brightest stars, this year also marked a profound moment of historical recognition for the genre's foundational pioneer.
Tyla's Unprecedented "Double" Win
South African sensation Tyla once again captivated the music world, securing her second Grammy in the "Best African Music Performance" category for her smash hit "Push 2 Start." This remarkable achievement makes her the first artist to win this specific award twice since its inception in 2024, solidifying her status as a dominant force in the global music scene. Her victory was celebrated as a major triumph for the Amapiano-fusion movement, though it ignited spirited discussions among Afrobeats enthusiasts who had hoped for a Nigerian sweep.
The Star-Studded Nominees of 2026
The 2026 nominations for "Best African Music Performance" showcased a formidable lineup, featuring titans of Nigerian music alongside rising stars from across the continent:
- Tyla (Winner) – "Push 2 Start" (Amapiano / Pop)
- Burna Boy – "Love" (Afrobeats / Afro-fusion)
- Davido ft. Omah Lay – "With You" (Afrobeats)
- Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid – "Gimme Dat" (Afropop)
- Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – "Hope & Love" (East African Global Fusion)
Beyond this category, African artists also made their mark:
- Burna Boy's critically acclaimed project No Sign of Weakness received a nomination for Best Global Music Album, though it ultimately lost to Brazilian legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia.
- Nigerian-American artist Shaboozey broke new ground by winning Best Country Duo/Group Performance for "Amen," illustrating the expanding influence of the African diaspora across diverse musical genres.
A Historic Posthumous Honor for Fela Kuti
Perhaps the most poignant and celebrated moment of the 2026 Grammy cycle occurred during the Special Merit Awards. Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary pioneer of Afrobeat, was posthumously honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
This momentous recognition establishes Fela Kuti as the first African musician to receive this prestigious award. It serves as a powerful acknowledgment of his unparalleled role not only as a musician but also as a fearless cultural and political revolutionary whose innovative sound and unwavering spirit laid the groundwork for every Afrobeats artist gracing stages and charts today.
The Enduring Legacy of the Category
Since the Recording Academy introduced the "Best African Music Performance" category in 2024, the winners have consistently highlighted the rich geographical diversity of African talent:
- 2024: Tyla – "Water" (South Africa)
- 2025: Tems – "Love Me JeJe" (Nigeria)
- 2026: Tyla – "Push 2 Start" (South Africa)
While Nigeria's "Big Three" (Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido) continue to earn nominations, the consistent presence of emerging stars like Ayra Starr and Asake signals a dynamic and incredibly bright future for Afrobeats at the Grammy Awards. The world is watching, and listening, as African music continues its unstoppable ascent.
-AMG Records
