The Trace Awards & Summit 2025, Africa’s most prestigious music event, is set to light up Zanzibar.
Scheduled for February 26, 2025, the Trace Awards will celebrate the best talents from the continent and its diaspora. Fans worldwide are invited to participate by voting for their favorite artists.
Voting opens on January 2 at www.traceawards.plus, offering music enthusiasts a chance to influence the results. Fan votes make up 50% of the final decision, with the remaining 50% determined by an expert jury.
A Celebration of African Music’s Diversity
The Trace Awards honor the rich and diverse music styles that Africa contributes to the global stage, including Afrobeat, dancehall, hip-hop, amapiano, gospel, kizomba, rumba, and more. Artists from over 30 countries spanning Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe will compete in 24 categories.
Why Vote?
The Trace Awards go beyond recognition; they amplify the voices of artists shaping the future of African and global music. By voting, fans can support works that reflect their cultural pride and identity.
Voting is free, open to all, and adheres to GDPR regulations. It closes on February 15, 2025.
Nominees and Categories
Global Awards
- Song of the Year: Tyla – Jump (South Africa), Burna Boy – Higher (Nigeria), Rema & Shallipopi – Benin Boys (Nigeria), and more.
- Album of the Year: Burna Boy – I Told Them (Nigeria), Amaarae – Fountain Baby (Ghana), King Promise – True To Self (Ghana), and others.
- Best Collaboration: Asake & Wizkid – MMS (Nigeria), Odumodublvck & Black Sherif – Woto Woto Seasoning (Ghana), and others.
- Best Music Video: Meji Alabi for Rema’s DND (Nigeria), TG Omori for Kizz Daniel & Davido’s Twe Twe (Nigeria), and others.
- Best Dancer: Dancegod Lloyd (Ghana), Kamo Mphela (South Africa), Incredible Zigi (Ghana), and more.
- Best DJ: Tyler ICU – Mnike (South Africa), DJ Tunez – Apala Disco Remix (Nigeria), and others.
- Best Hip-Hop Artist: Sarkodie (Ghana), Nasty C (South Africa), Odumodublvck (Nigeria), and others.
Pan-African Awards
- Best Global African Artist: Burna Boy (Nigeria), Tyla (South Africa), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), and more.
- Best Male Artist: Stonebwoy (Ghana), Asake (Nigeria), Rema (Nigeria), and others.
- Best Female Artist: Tyla (South Africa), Tems (Nigeria), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), and others.
- Best Newcomer: Shallipopi (Nigeria), Qing Madi (Nigeria), Sabrina (Cameroon), and others.
- Best Live Performance: Fally Ipupa (DRC), Burna Boy – I Told Them (Nigeria), Yemi Alade – African Rebel Tour (Nigeria), and more.
- Best Producer: Kelvin Momo – Sewe (South Africa), Jae 5 – Perfect Combi (Ghana), Sarz – Happiness (Nigeria), and others.
- Best Gospel Artist: Spirit of Praise 10 (South Africa), Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria), KS Bloom (Ivory Coast), and others.
Regional and Diaspora Awards
- Eastern Africa: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Bien (Kenya), Joshua Baraka (Uganda), and others.
- Western Africa: KiDi (Ghana), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Tems (Nigeria), and more.
- Southern Africa: Tyler ICU (South Africa), Uncle Waffles (South Africa), Dlala Thukzin (South Africa), and others.
- Francophone Africa: Josey (Ivory Coast), Didi B (Ivory Coast), Gaz Mawete (DRC), and others.
- Lusophone Africa: Calema (São Tomé and Príncipe), Chelsea Dinorath (Angola), Mr. Bow (Mozambique), and more.
- Tanzania: Diamond Platnumz, Zuchu, Marioo, and others.
- Europe: Central Cee (UK), Aya Nakamura (France/Mali), Kalash (France/Martinique), and more.
- Brazil: Ludmilla, Racionais MC’s, Duquesa, and others.
- Caribbean: Shenseea (Jamaica), Meryl (Martinique), Mathieu White (Guadeloupe), and others.
- Indian Ocean: Barth (Reunion), Goulam (Comoros), Kalipsxau (Reunion), and others.
The Trace Awards 2025 promises an unforgettable celebration of African music and its global impact. Cast your vote and support your favorite artists!