Johannesburg — Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, has hailed the country’s powerful presence and historic achievements at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles, United States.
The world’s most prestigious music awards ceremony once again placed South African creativity at the centre of global cultural discourse, with local talent not only recognised through accolades but also prominently represented in hosting, performance, fashion, and international media visibility.
Sunday evening, 1 February 2026, reaffirmed South Africa’s growing influence within the global creative economy and the sustained excellence of its artists on the world stage.
The ceremony was hosted for the sixth and final consecutive year by internationally acclaimed South African comedian and broadcaster Trevor Noah, whose tenure as host has been widely credited with modernising the Grammys’ global appeal and broadening its cultural reach.
His presence once again symbolised South Africa’s contribution not only to music, but to global storytelling, commentary, and creative leadership at the highest level.
At the centre of South Africa’s historic night was award-winning artist Tyla, who was crowned Best African Music Performance for her chart-topping single Push 2 Start, becoming a two-time Grammy Award winner.
This achievement follows her 2024 win for Water and positions her as the first artist to secure the award twice since the category’s introduction, marking a significant milestone for South African and African music.
Born and raised in Edenvale on the East Rand, Tyla’s ascent from local stages to global acclaim represents a powerful narrative of South African creativity transcending borders.
Push 2 Start, released as part of the deluxe edition of her debut album, blends amapiano, pop, R&B, and reggae influences, and has enjoyed exceptional international streaming performance, commercial success, and critical acclaim across major global markets.
Tyla’s victory came amid strong competition from some of the continent’s most celebrated artists, underscoring the strength of South Africa’s contemporary sound within an increasingly competitive global African music space.
Her win coincided with her birthday celebrations in Los Angeles, adding symbolic weight to a moment that resonated deeply with South Africans at home and abroad.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Tyla on this historic achievement,” Deputy Minister Mabe said.
“Her continued success at the Grammy Awards is a source of national pride and a testament to the depth of talent, discipline, and innovation that exists within our creative industries.”
Deputy Minister Mabe further noted that Tyla’s global visibility extends beyond music, highlighting South Africa’s growing cultural footprint across fashion, youth culture, and digital influence.
Her appearance at the awards ceremony attracted significant international media attention, reinforcing the role of South African artists as cultural ambassadors who shape global trends and narratives.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the significance of the 2026 Grammy Awards extends beyond individual recognition.
“This moment speaks to the broader impact of South Africa’s creative economy. It reflects years of artistic development, cultural investment, and the resilience of our artists who continue to carry South African stories to the world,” she said.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture continues to prioritise the growth and sustainability of the creative sector through targeted programmes that support artistic development, intellectual property protection, international market access, and cultural exchange.
These efforts align with national objectives to position arts and culture as key drivers of economic growth, social cohesion, and global engagement.
As South African artists continue to command space on the world’s most influential platforms, Deputy Minister Mabe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening ecosystems that allow creative talent to flourish locally while competing globally.
She also acknowledged the role of audiences, cultural institutions, and industry stakeholders who collectively contribute to the success of South Africa’s creative exports.
The achievements at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards stand as a powerful affirmation of South Africa’s cultural relevance, creative excellence, and global resonance, reinforcing the country’s position as a leading voice in the international arts and music landscape.
