Nigerian music star Davido has missed out on the Best African Music Performance award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, with South African singer Tyla emerging victorious in the highly competitive category.
Tyla clinched the prize with her hit song “Push 2 Start,” beating a strong lineup that included Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay, Burna Boy’s “Love,” Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s collaborative track “Gimme Dat,” as well as “Hope & Love” by Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin.
The category, created to spotlight African music on the global stage, once again underscored Nigeria’s dominant presence in contemporary African soundscapes, with three Nigerian artistes making the final shortlist. Despite the loss, Davido’s nomination marked another milestone in his continued global recognition and reinforced his standing as one of Africa’s most influential music exports.
READ ALSO: Davido Joins Recording Academy, Earns Role in Grammy Voting
Tyla’s win has been widely celebrated as a breakthrough moment for South African pop and a reflection of the Grammys’ growing engagement with Africa’s diverse musical expressions. As African artistes continue to gain prominence at the awards, the Best African Music Performance category remains a powerful platform showcasing the continent’s evolving global influence.