Tyla Wins Again: South African Star Beats Davido and Burna Boy
South African singer Tyla has once again proven she is a major force on the global stage. At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held earlier this week, the "Water" star secured the trophy for Best African Music Performance. This marks her second win in this specific category, making her the first artist to achieve such a feat.
The victory has sent shockwaves through the African music industry. Tyla was nominated alongside a heavy-hitting lineup of Nigerian superstars. The contenders included Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr. Many fans and critics expected one of the Nigerian giants to take the award home this year. Instead, the Recording Academy chose Tyla, sparking a massive conversation online.
The Return of the "Naija vs. South Africa" Rivalry
Minutes after the announcement, X (formerly Twitter) became a digital battlefield. The "Naija vs. South Africa" debate reached a boiling point as fans from both nations defended their stars. Nigerian fans expressed their frustration, with many claiming their artists were "snubbed" yet again.
Some users pointed out that Burna Boy and Davido had massive global tours and streaming numbers in 2025. They argued that the impact of Afrobeats should have been reflected in the voting. On the other side, South African fans celebrated the win as a victory for Amapiano and "Popiano." They argued that Tyla's unique sound has brought a fresh energy to the global music scene.
The rivalry between the two nations is not new. It often surfaces during major sporting events or music awards. This latest "upset" has only added fuel to the fire, with memes and heated arguments trending across the continent.
Why Tyla’s Win is a Statement
Tyla’s win is significant because it suggests that the Recording Academy is looking beyond traditional Afrobeats. While Nigeria has dominated the African music narrative for years, South Africa’s Amapiano-influenced sounds are gaining serious ground.
Tyla has successfully blended pop elements with local South African rhythms. This "Popiano" style has a massive appeal in the United States and Europe. By winning for the second time, she has solidified her position as the current face of African music in the eyes of Western award committees.
For a deeper look into the growth of African sounds, visit our Music News section.
A Bittersweet Night for Afrobeats Giants
For Davido and Burna Boy, the night was undoubtedly disappointing. Davido has been open about his desire to bring a Grammy home to Nigeria. Despite his massive influence and the success of his recent projects, the trophy remains elusive.
Burna Boy, who already has a Grammy to his name, was also a top favorite. His consistent quality and global presence make him a perennial contender. Ayra Starr, representing the new generation of female Afrobeats stars, also saw her hopes dashed. Despite the lack of a win, these artists continue to sell out arenas and break records globally.
You can read more about the achievements of Nigerian artists in our Entertainment section.
Looking Toward the Future
The Grammys have always been a subject of controversy in Africa. Many argue that Western institutions should not be the ultimate judge of African talent. However, the prestige of the award remains a powerful motivator for artists.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: African music is no longer a monolith. The competition between Nigeria and South Africa is healthy for the industry. it pushes artists to innovate and reach new heights. Tyla’s second win may be an "upset" to some, but it is a clear sign that the world is listening to every corner of the continent.
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