Ghanaian-British producer and songwriter Sammy Soso has added another major honour to his growing list of achievements after winning a Most-Performed Pop Songs award at the 2026 BMI London Awards for his work on Tyla’s “Push 2 Start.”
The ceremony took place on September 28 at The Dorchester in London, where BMI recognised the UK and European songwriters and publishers behind the previous year’s most-performed songs on US radio, streaming, film, television, and visual media.
Soso, whose full name is Samuel Awuku, co-wrote “Push 2 Start” with Ari PenSmith and Corey Marion Lindsay-Keay, professionally known as Believve. The track, performed by South African star Tyla, earned recognition among the year’s top-performing pop songs in BMI’s repertoire. The win further cements Soso’s reputation as one of the most successful Ghanaian creators in the international music industry.
Industry observers and social media commentary following the awards noted that he now stands as the most awarded Ghanaian in BMI Awards history.
The BMI London Awards celebrate songwriters whose works have achieved significant airplay and streaming success in the United States. This year’s event was headlined by the presentation of the prestigious BMI President’s Award to Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol for his extensive body of work and influence. “Luther,” the collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and SZA, was named BMI London Song of the Year.
Other Most-Performed Pop Songs honourees included tracks by Olivia Dean, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Drake and Central Cee, among others.
For Soso, the recognition continues a remarkable run that has seen him move from behind-the-scenes collaborator to a recognised force in global pop and African music. He first gained widespread attention as a co-writer and producer on Tyla’s breakthrough hit “Water,” which won the inaugural Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. Soso contributed extensively to Tyla’s debut self-titled project and has maintained a close creative partnership with the singer.
His earlier credits include key contributions to Wizkid’s albums Made in Lagos and More Love, Less Ego, as well as work with artists such as Omah Lay, Kali Uchis, Headie One and others.
Born in the UK to Ghanaian parents, Soso has long balanced his British base with deep roots in African sounds. His production style often blends contemporary pop, R&B and Afrobeats-influenced rhythms, helping artists craft records that travel easily across markets.
Before the major global hits, he built his craft through collaborations in the UK scene, including work with KSI and grime artists, and steadily expanded into high-profile African and international projects.
His dual Grammy associations through both “Water” and earlier nominations tied to Wizkid’s work have made him a point of pride for Ghanaian music observers who track the country’s growing influence in global production and songwriting circles.
The BMI award arrives at a moment when African and diaspora creators are increasingly visible in mainstream Western award structures. Performance rights organisations such as BMI play a critical role in ensuring that songwriters and producers receive recognition and royalties when their work is performed publicly or streamed extensively.
For creators based in or connected to Africa, these awards also serve as markers of commercial reach beyond local and continental charts.
Soso’s presence at the London ceremony, where he was photographed wearing the distinctive BMI Award Winner medal against a branded backdrop, underscored the personal milestone. The private event brought together songwriters, publishers and industry executives to honour the writers whose catalogues drive the music industry’s performance metrics.
In an era dominated by streaming data, BMI’s focus on actual performances across multiple platforms provides a distinct measure of a song’s cultural footprint.
Beyond the Trophy
Beyond the trophy, the recognition highlights the collaborative nature of modern hit-making. “Push 2 Start” joins a list of tracks that demonstrate how producers and songwriters from African backgrounds continue to shape the sound of global pop. Soso’s ability to work seamlessly with artists from South Africa, Nigeria, the UK and the United States positions him as a bridge figure in an increasingly interconnected music ecosystem.
As the Ghanaian music scene continues to produce talent that resonates worldwide, Soso’s latest BMI honour serves as both personal validation and a broader signal. From studio sessions that helped define Tyla’s rise to contributions on some of Afrobeats’ landmark albums, his catalogue already spans multiple continents and formats.
The Most-Performed Pop award for “Push 2 Start” adds a significant chapter, affirming that the songs he helps create are not only critically noted but widely heard.
With the 2026 BMI London Awards now concluded, attention turns to how Soso and his collaborators will build on this momentum. For fans of African music and global pop alike, the win offers another reason to celebrate the quiet architects behind the hits that fill playlists and airwaves.
Sammy Soso’s latest achievement reinforces his place among the leading producers of his generation and strengthens Ghana’s growing presence in the international songwriting and production community.
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