South African talent is once again making waves on the global stage. Tyla and Trevor Noah have both earned nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 1, 2026, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena.
For Tyla, this marks a continuation of her meteoric rise. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter, full name Tyla Laura Seethal, is nominated for Best African Music Performance for her hit single “Push 2 Start.” She’s up against continental heavyweights including Davido and Omah Lay, Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin, and Ayra Starr and Wizkid.
Meanwhile, comedy and storytelling giant Trevor Noah has been recognized in the Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category for his second book, Into the Uncut Grass. He faces stiff competition from notable voices including Ketanji Brown Jackson, Fab Morvan, and even the Dalai Lama.
A Grammy Legacy in the Making
Neither Tyla nor Trevor are strangers to Grammy recognition. Tyla’s global hit “Water” earned her a Grammy in 2024, making her the youngest African artist to claim the inaugural Best African Music Performance award. Fans across South Africa and beyond continue to celebrate her unique blend of pop and amapiano—now affectionately dubbed “Popiano.”
Trevor, on the other hand, has racked up multiple nominations without yet securing a win. His prior nods include Best Comedy Album for Son of Patricia (2020) and I Wish You Would (2024), as well as Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for Where Was I (2025). Earlier this year, he became the first comedian to host the Grammys five years in a row, cementing his reputation as a global ambassador for South African wit and storytelling.
South Africa in the Global Grammy Spotlight
For local fans, seeing Tyla and Trevor nominated side by side is more than just a proud moment—it’s a reflection of South Africa’s diverse cultural impact. From Johannesburg’s dance floors to Cape Town’s literary circles, South African talent is increasingly shaping the global arts conversation. Social media has been buzzing: fans on X (formerly Twitter) have flooded feeds with congratulatory posts, hashtags like #TeamTyla and #TrevorNoahGrammy trending across continents.
The Competition is Fierce
The 2026 Grammys promise a star-studded night. Major nominees include Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, and Billie Eilish. Key categories to watch:
Song of the Year: Bad Bunny – “DTMF”, Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”, Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”, Kendrick Lamar & SZA – “Luther”
Record of the Year: Bad Bunny – “DTMF”, Chappell Roan – “The Subway”, Rosé & Bruno Mars – “Apt.”
Album of the Year: Bad Bunny – “Debí Tirar Más Fotos”, Kendrick Lamar – “GNX”, Lady Gaga – “Mayhem”, Tyler, The Creator – “Chromakopia”
With South African stars now in the mix, the night will undoubtedly have a local heartbeat, as fans eagerly await to see whether Tyla or Trevor bring home Grammy gold.
Whether it’s Tyla’s infectious beats or Trevor’s razor-sharp storytelling, both artists embody the richness of South African creativity. Their nominations aren’t just personal achievements, they’re milestones that highlight how South Africa continues to influence global music and culture.
As February 1 approaches, the nation waits with bated breath, ready to celebrate whichever way the Grammys go—but no matter the outcome, South Africa’s stars are already shining brightly on the world stage.
Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: X{@AlbumTalksHQ}