Nigerian singer Joeboy has defended South African artist Tyla following the controversy that trailed her victory at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Tyla won the Best African Music Performance category with her hit song Push 2 Start, defeating Nigerian nominees Davido, Omah Lay, Wizkid, Ayra Starr and Burna Boy at the awards held in early February.
Her win sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some critics arguing that the South African singer did not deserve the award ahead of the Nigerian nominees.
Reacting to the debate in a recent interview with Jay On-Air, Joeboy said Tyla deserved the recognition despite the backlash that followed the announcement.
He explained that although he was personally rooting for Davido to win the award, Tyla had worked hard and was a worthy winner.
“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.
“People can be angry all they want but she deserved the Grammy win. I can’t fault her triumph,” he said.
Joeboy also revealed that Tyla is one of the artists he would like to collaborate with in the future, praising her talent and work ethic. Grammy win amid controversy
Nigerian singer Joeboy has defended South African artist Tyla following the controversy that trailed her victory at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Tyla won the Best African Music Performance category with her hit song Push 2 Start, defeating Nigerian nominees Davido, Omah Lay, Wizkid, Ayra Starr and Burna Boy at the awards held in early February.
Her win sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some critics arguing that the South African singer did not deserve the award ahead of the Nigerian nominees.
Reacting to the debate in a recent interview with Jay On-Air, Joeboy said Tyla deserved the recognition despite the backlash that followed the announcement.
He explained that although he was personally rooting for Davido to win the award, Tyla had worked future, praising her talent and work ethic.
Nigerian singer Joeboy has defended South African artist Tyla following the controversy that trailed her victory at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Tyla won the Best African Music Performance category with her hit song Push 2 Start, defeating Nigerian nominees Davido, Omah Lay, Wizkid, Ayra Starr and Burna Boy at the awards held in early February.
Her win sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some critics arguing that the South African singer did not deserve the award ahead of the Nigerian nominees.
Reacting to the debate in a recent interview with Jay On-Air, Joeboy said Tyla deserved the recognition despite the backlash that followed the announcement.
He explained that although he was personally rooting for Davido to win the award, Tyla had worked hard and was a worthy winner.
“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.
“People can be angry all they want but she deserved the Grammy win. I can’t fault her triumph,” he said.
Joeboy also revealed that Tyla is one of the artists he would like to collaborate with in the future, praising her talent and work ethic.
