Nigerian Afrobeats singer Joeboy has shared his thoughts on the recent Grammy Awards, stating that South African singer Tyla deserved her victory in the Best African Music Performance category despite competition from several Nigerian stars.
Tyla won the award at the 2026 Grammy Awards for her hit song Push 2 Start, beating a strong lineup of Nigerian nominees including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and Omah Lay. Her win generated intense debate across social media, with some fans arguing that one of the Nigerian artists should have taken the award instead.
Speaking during an interview with Jay On Air, Joeboy explained that although he personally hoped Davido would win the award, Tyla’s achievement was well deserved because of the effort and talent she demonstrated. According to the singer, the South African star worked hard for the recognition and earned the honor through her music.
He noted that people may feel disappointed by the outcome, but that should not take away from Tyla’s accomplishment. Joeboy described her as an amazing artist whose dedication and creativity contributed to her success on the global stage.
The singer further stressed that criticism surrounding the award should not overshadow Tyla’s hard work. In his view, the Grammy win was justified and cannot be dismissed simply because some fans expected a Nigerian artist to win.
Joeboy’s comments have sparked mixed reactions among fans online. While some people praised him for acknowledging Tyla’s talent regardless of nationality, others believed Nigerian artists deserved the award after their strong performances and global influence in Afrobeats.
The conversation highlights the growing competitiveness within African music as artists from different countries continue to gain international recognition. Tyla’s victory represents a significant milestone for South African music, while also reinforcing the expanding global impact of African artists.
Despite the debate, Joeboy also expressed admiration for Tyla and hinted that he would be open to collaborating with her in the future, suggesting that such a partnership could produce exciting music for fans across the continent.
