Tyla is celebrating again after her hit single Push 2 Start earned her a nomination for the 2026 Grammy Awards in the category of Best African Music Performance.

The song blends her signature sound, a mix of pop, R&B, reggae and South Africa’s amapiano rhythms and uses a creative metaphor of starting a car to talk about momentum, risk and desire.

Tyla:Instagram

Push 2 Start follows the global success of her earlier hit Water, and the nomination underlines how Tyla is expanding from national success into global recognition.

For Tyla, this nomination carries weight for several reasons: it shows her music is being taken seriously on a global stage, indicates the growing appreciation of African sound, and highlights her growth as an artist.

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The nomination comes at a time when Tyla’s profile is high. The song not only garnered streams worldwide but earned her numerous awards.

Tyla : Instagram

Her song will compete in a category that recognises African music performance at the highest level. This offers her a benchmark of achievement and a chance to stand alongside other African artists gaining prominence.

For listeners and fans, Push 2 Start is catchy and easy to connect with. You don’t need deep knowledge of music genres; the song connects with rhythm, vocals and a playful metaphor of driving, starting, going forward.

In Tyla’s journey the nomination also signals that her success extends beyond a single viral moment. It confirms that her earlier success wasn’t accidental but part of a steady creative progression. From Water to Push 2 Start, she’s shown range, energy and an ability to appeal across borders.

Tyla : Instagram

Looking ahead, the nomination can create opportunities: more collaborations, more international exposure, bigger tours, and more creative freedom. For someone who began with local music scenes in South Africa and is now earning global attention.

Tyla’s nomination for the 2026 Grammy Awards for Push 2 Start is a moment of pride for both her and African music. It shows that sound, talent and ambition together can push an artist from local stages to international ones.

Tyla has released her new single, Chanel, a sharp follow-up that shows she’s more interested in growth than trends. Out through FAX and Epic Records, the track blends her South African roots with a polished global sound, marking another confident step in her rise.

At its heart, Chanel looks at how women are often defined by others before they can define themselves. Over a soft amapiano rhythm and smooth R&B chords, Tyla sings, “How you say you love me, if you ain’t put me in Chanel?” It sounds playful at first, but underneath is a clear message about recognition, value and self-worth.

Tyla – Instagram

The music video brings that message to life with striking focus. Directed by Child, who also worked on Water, the visuals are minimal and deliberate. Tyla moves through clean, dreamlike spaces in vintage Chanel pieces styled by Ron Hartleben. The camera stays close; her expression, her stillness, the way she owns every frame. Instead of relying on choreography or heavy effects, the video keeps attention on her presence and attitude.

Tyla – Instagram

Hartleben told Vogue that the goal was “to mirror how she carries herself, quietly powerful, never forced.” That approach shows in every shot. Tyla doesn’t perform for attention. She commands it naturally. There’s a calm control that makes it hard to look away, a reminder that her confidence doesn’t need to be loud to be seen.

Since her Grammy win and sold-out international shows, Tyla’s rise has been rapid. Yet Chanel doesn’t sound like an artist lost in the moment. It’s measured, grounded and intentional. She could have gone for something loud or instantly viral, but instead, she chose substance.

To mark the release, she hosted a brunch event in Los Angeles attended by close friends and industry figures. The setting was warm and distinctly South African, a quiet nod to her roots. It wasn’t about spectacle; it was about celebrating the music and the growth behind it.

Tyla – Instagram

Critics describe Chanel as her most assured release so far. The production nods to amapiano while moving easily across global playlists. The lyrics touch on status and self-awareness but stay anchored in honesty. It’s a reminder that Tyla knows exactly who she is and what she wants her sound to represent.

If Water was her introduction, Chanel feels like a statement. It’s the moment she steps into her own direction, comfortable with who she’s become. She’s no longer proving herself. She’s defining herself.

Thuli Phongolo has announced the release of her new song “HAI SUKA”. Although she has been in the entertainment industry for some time, this is a huge milestone for her. Thuli has continued to show her creative skills in both acting and music.

Commenting on “HAI SUKA”, Thuli described it as a bold expression of how she feels in this moment. When translated, the title means “get away” and sends a message of freedom and independence. She said her song shows how she has been able to stand firm despite the negativity around her. She believes the song was a statement of declaration of strength and authenticity.

Thuli Phongolo : Instagram

The track contains a blend of house and Amapiano elements which are now part of South African music culture. The production of this song shows her versatility and connection with listeners.

In an interview, Thuli  opened up about the challenges she has faced in the industry and the lessons learnt. She said the public side of the career puts undue pressure on her. However, she remained resilient and focused,  which helped her succeed. She spoke about the benefits of setting boundaries and having the right people around her to support her career growth.

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Meanwhile, Thuli hopes the new song will close the gap between her acting and music career. She said working with the best producers and musicians has expanded her creative expression. She hinted that “HAI SUKA” is expected to be part of a bigger musical project she plans to release.

Thuli Phongolo : Instagram

She also touched on how being a woman in the South African music industry isn’t easy. Thuli said women aren’t often recognized unless they prove themselves. However, she said she is inspired by top female artists and DJs who have made it.

The release of “HAI SUKA” is another step in defining Thuli’s identity. As she continues on her artistic journey, fans’ expectations are likely to grow. As a multifaceted creative, Thuli is taking a path that will earn her recognition beyond South Africa.