Nigerian singer Joeboy has joined the heated debate surrounding South African star Tyla’s victory at the 2026 Grammy Awards, where she won the Best African Music Performance title for her hit song “Push 2 Start.” Speaking in a recent interview with media personality Jay On-Air on Friday, March 6, 2026, the “Alcohol” crooner addressed the “groundswell of mixed reactions” from Nigerians who felt the award should have gone to domestic heavyweights like Davido, Wizkid, or Burna Boy.
In his words, “Personally, I was rooting for Davido to win the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 Grammys, but you can’t take it away from Tyla. She is an amazing artist whether you accept it or not. She really put in the work,” choosing to champion artistic merit over national sentiment.
The controversy stems from the February ceremony where Tyla triumphed over an elite field of Nigerian nominees, including Omah Lay and Ayra Starr, leading some fans to question the Recording Academy’s voting process. However, Joeboy was firm in his stance that the “Water” singer earned her accolades through consistent effort and a global impact that resonated beyond the continent.
“People can be angry all they want but she deserved the Grammy win. I can’t fault her triumph,” he explained, noting that her work ethic and talent are undeniable regardless of the “controversy” that trailed her win. This marks a rare moment of public defense from a peer within the Afrobeats industry, which has seen intense rivalry with the South African Amapiano scene in recent awards cycles.
Looking toward the future, Joeboy expressed a strong interest in a musical partnership with the Grammy winner, citing her unique style as a major draw for a potential record. “Tyla is one of the artists I would like to collaborate with in the future,” he shared, further praising her talent and the energy she brings to the modern African music landscape. As Joeboy continues to promote his own recent projects under his “Young Legend” label, his comments reflect a broader desire for continental unity and professional respect among Africa’s top-tier performers.
