Notable Events At The Trace Music Awards 2025

Trace Awards and Summits, which is usually referred to as just “Trace Awards,” is a music award ceremony held by Trace Groups.

The award ceremony, which was first introduced in 2023, airs in 180 countries on “Trace TV” and “Trace Africa.”

The main aim of this event is to celebrate exceptional accomplishments in African and Afro-inspired music and culture worldwide.

On December 4, 2024, the list of nominees was made public, and on December 18, 2024, the public was allowed to start voting to determine the winners of this year’s award ceremony.

This year’s Trace Awards and Summit was a two-day event that took place at The Mora in Zanzibar from February 24 to 26.

With live transmissions in English, French, and Portuguese, the Awards featured its usual 28 award categories of the most well-known African music genres and singers.

The Winners at the Trace Awards 2025

At this year’s Trace Awards, the biggest names in the industry came together to honor the amazing accomplishments of African performers, producers, and artists.

With Afrobeats, Amapiano, bongo,  and other African music styles taking center stage, this year’s concert showcased the continent’s expanding global influence.

Several artists were acknowledged as they went on imprinting their legacy in the history of African entertainment.

Titom & Yuppe, a South African duo, won the Song of the Year award for their hit song “Tshwala Bam,” which lit up dance floors all over the world.

Nigerian singer Rema further solidified his status as one of Africa’s most exciting musicians as he won Best Male Artist, and his album “Heis” won the Album of the Year award.

Meji Alabi won the Best Music Video award for his direction of Rema’s “DND,” a visually breathtaking masterwork.

Makhadzi from South Africa won Best Dancer for her energetic performances, demonstrating her remarkable stage presence once again.

One of Africa’s most prominent mixmasters, DJ Moh Green of Algeria, was recognized as the Best DJ in the DJ category.

Tanzanian phenomenon Diamond Platnumz maintained his dominance on the international scene by earning Best Global African Artist.

Tyla of South Africa won Best Female Artist among female performers, a well-earned honor for her distinctiveness and style.

Mercy Chinwo, a Nigerian gospel singer who won Best Gospel Artist, won hearts with her inspirational and heartfelt songs.

This year’s award ceremony celebrated several other talents, including Ayra Starr, Ivorian singer Josey, Tyler ICU, Chelsea Dinorath, Bien, and a lot more.

President of Zanzibar Supports Music Industry

The Trace Awards ceremony for this year was hosted in Zanzibar as a two-day event from February 24-26.

President Mwinyi, who gave an opening remark at the awards official launch, emphasized the transforming power of music in promoting social and economic change.

“We believe in the power of the entertainment sector to drive change because music is a great tool that inspires empowerment, promotes tourism, and encourages economic growth and social development,” he stated.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this event,” the president concluded.

This 2025 Trace Awards definitely sparked important discussions on the current status of African music and how to promote it to people around the world.