Singer Victoria Kimani has spoken out in defence of South African singer Tyla following her recent Grammy win, emphasising that African artists should not be confined to one sound, language, or style.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, February 2026, Kimani highlighted the diversity of African music and the barriers artists often face when they push creative boundaries.
She praised Tyla for breaking walls that limit performers who look and sound different or do not sing in traditional African dialects.
Reflecting on her own journey in the music industry, Kimani revealed the type of criticism she regularly faces. “The push back she is getting for her every win is the same that I get every time I drop something new, Sing in Swahili, this doesn’t… sound Kenyan,’ etc.,” she wrote.
She noted that she has spent over ten years blending African and R&B sounds with pop across five albums, yet some critics still try to define what her music should be.
Diversity in African music
Kimani also highlighted the selective ways people celebrate African culture, saying many pick and choose when to recognise artists as “African.” According to her, this attitude undermines the continent’s musical diversity and creativity.
“Africans are NOT a monolith. We look and sound very different,” she said, praising artists like Tyla who challenge narrow expectations and expand the perception of African music globally. She further added, “Finally, we have someone like [her]… and I love to see it,” celebrating Tyla’s bold approach to music.
Tyla recently won the Best African Music Performance award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for her song Push 2 Start. This marks her second win in the category, after her 2024 victory for Water.
She beat a strong field of nominees, including Burna Boy (Love), Davido featuring Omah Lay (With You), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (Gimme Dat), and Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (Hope & Love).
