Culture Craze
Tyla’s Grammy win sparks backlash as political parties jump in
South Africa knows how to celebrate its own. When Tyla walked away with another Grammy, timelines lit up with pride, memes, flag emojis, and the familiar feeling that a local girl had just conquered another global stage.
But the mood did not stay sweet for long. What began as a collective celebration quickly turned uncomfortable when political parties stepped into the moment, and many South Africans were not having it.
Another Grammy, another global milestone
At the 68th Grammy Awards, the 24-year-old singer won Best African Music Performance for her track “Push 2 Start.” It marked her second consecutive win in the category, a rare achievement that firmly cements her status as one of South Africa’s biggest international exports right now.
For fans, it was bigger than a trophy. Tyla’s rise has come to represent a new wave of African pop culture that travels easily across borders while still sounding unmistakably local. Her success feels personal to many young South Africans who see pieces of themselves in her journey.
When politics entered the chat
The tone shifted when the Economic Freedom Fighters shared a poster-style graphic featuring Tyla against its signature red background, complete with party branding and its 2026 slogan.
Soon after, the Democratic Alliance followed with its own branded post. The image showed Tyla holding her Grammy against a blue background, accompanied by the party logo and a caption praising her achievement as a proud South African moment.
What might have been intended as congratulations landed badly with many online.
Social media pushes back
On X, users questioned whether Tyla had given permission for her image to be used in what looked like campaign-style material. Others felt the moment was being diluted by political point-scoring.
Comments ranged from polite frustration to outright disgust. Some asked why every national achievement had to be filtered through party branding. Others were more blunt, telling political pages to keep the artist’s name out of their messaging altogether.
The core complaint was simple. This was Tyla’s moment, not a political one.
Can we congratulate an artist without the political branding? Has Tyla endorsed the EFF? https://t.co/d7Gs1R5ClL
Bianca van Wyk (@BiancavanWyk16) February 3, 2026
A different approach from government figures
Not everyone took the branded route. Fikile Mbalula congratulated Tyla directly, keeping the message focused on her achievement rather than party identity.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie also praised the singer, framing the win as a celebration of South African creativity and possibility. He highlighted how her success shows young people that global excellence can come from home and that her music carries a South African story to international audiences.
ew… keep her name off your filthy, disgusting page. https://t.co/mvYQbM812S
cyn⁴ 💛 (@DPRyoongi) February 3, 2026
Why this struck a nerve
South Africans are deeply proud of their cultural wins, especially on international stages that have historically overlooked African talent. That pride, however, comes with protectiveness. Artists like Tyla are seen as belonging to the people, not to parties.
In a year where political messaging feels louder than ever, the backlash suggests growing fatigue with seeing every joyful moment turned into campaign content. For many, Tyla’s Grammy win was a brief escape from politics. Watching it get pulled back into that space felt unnecessary and, to some, disrespectful.
Media Statement
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has congratulated South African music sensation Tyla on her latest Grammy Award win, marking yet another historic milestone in her rapidly blossoming global career.
More:https://t.co/fbGd873rK4 pic.twitter.com/3F9a6pgL69
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) February 2, 2026
The bigger picture
The debate has less to do with Tyla herself and more to do with ownership of national pride. Her music travels globally without slogans, logos, or manifestos attached. That, perhaps, is exactly why people reacted so strongly when those elements appeared.
For now, one thing remains unchanged. Tyla’s Grammy sits where it belongs, as a marker of talent, hard work, and a South African sound making waves far beyond our borders.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: SlikourOnLife
