Economic Freedom Fighters Roasted for Congratulating Tyla on 2nd Grammy Award
- The Economic Freedom Fighters were on the receiving end of South African jokes after it joined the rest of the country in congratulating musician Tyla for her latest Grammy Award win
- Tyla clinched the award for Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards, which was hosted in Los Angeles by comedian Trevor Noah
- Some South Africans joked that the party was attempting to associate itself with success, while others were unhappy with how the party wrote Tyla's name
With over seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, offered insights into South African politics, national, provincial, and local governance, the Government of National Unity, political parties, and Parliament.
Source: Getty Images
GAUTENG — The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) celebrated musician Tyla's Grammy Award win on social media. South Africans were not happy with the party congratulating Tyla and blasted it.
The Red Berets posted the congratulatory message on its @EFFSouthAfrica X account on 2 February 2026. This was the day after the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony, which was held in Los Angeles, California, on 1 February. South African comedian Trevor Noah hosted the awards.
EFF congratulates Tyla
In the post, the EFF used Tyla's second name and surname, Laura Seethal. However, the party placed "Tyla" in inverted commas, seemingly to suggest that Tyla is a nickname. The party called the achievement a powerful affirmation of African excellence on the global stage, and a proud moment for South Africa and the continent.
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View the full tweet on X here:
What award did Tyla win?
Tyla won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for her song Push 2 Start. She was nominated alongside musicians like Burna Boy, Davido, Eddy Kenzo, and Ayra Starr. She won her first Grammy in 2024 for her hit single, Water. Push 2 Start was released nine months later. Tyla also won the award two days after she celebrated her 24th birthday.
Source: Getty Images
What did South Africans say?
South African social media users in the Red Berets' comment section did not pull their punches. Some were unhappy that Tyla's first name was put in inverted commas.
Ntokozo asked:
"Why put Tyla in quotes as though it's not her real name?"
Martin Van Der Bijl said:
"EFF trying to associate itself with success is funny."
Lifeofaghettostar said:
"Tyla will never vote for the EFF. She's a patriot."
JDJ said:
"Tyla is not part of the EFF. My God, the EFF is so desperate for relevance that they will climb on any bandwagon, uninvited, and by so doing politicise something that is not political."
Mr Flirtatious said:
"She should sue the EFF for damaging her brand. Only domkops associate with the EFF."
Nigerian musician Omah Lay weighs in on Tyla's award win
In a related article, Briefly News reported that Omah Lay congratulated Tyla on her award win. He also mentioned that Davido, who was nominated alongside Tyla, accepted his loss.
Omah Lay posted the message of congratulations on Instagram and tagged her in his IG story. His choice of words elicited mixed reactions.
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Source: Briefly News
