The Trace Awards 2025 was a spectacular celebration of African and Afro-inspired music, held in the breathtaking island city of Zanzibar, Tanzania. This global music event brought together top artists, music industry executives, and fans to honor the best talents shaping the future of African and urban music.
Watch the Trace Awards 2025 LIVE – Stream Now!
Event Overview
- Dates: February 24–26, 2025
- Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Organized by: Trace, a leading platform for African and Afro-urban music
- Purpose: To recognize outstanding musical talent, promote African culture, and provide a platform for emerging artists
The Trace Awards & Summit is more than just an award show; it’s a movement that celebrates the richness of African music, fosters industry networking, and highlights the continent’s influence on the global music scene.
Key Features of Trace Awards 2025
1. The Industry Summit (February 24–25, 2025)
Ahead of the awards ceremony, the Trace Summit gathered music executives, artists, producers, and key industry stakeholders to discuss the future of African music.
Key topics included:
The impact of digital platforms on African music distribution The rise of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres worldwide Strategies for artists to achieve global success Women in music and the push for gender equality in the industry Monetizing music in the digital era
This two-day event provided opportunities for networking, collaborations, and knowledge-sharing among African and international music professionals.
2. The Trace Awards Ceremony (February 26, 2025)
The grand awards night took place in an exciting venue in Zanzibar, featuring a red-carpet event, high-energy performances, and a star-studded guest list.
Awards Categories
The awards recognized artists across multiple categories, including:
Best Male & Best Female Artist
Song of the Year
Album of the Year
Best New Artist
Best Collaboration
Best Live Performance
Best Music Video
Best African Act in the Diaspora
Best DJ & Producer
Voting Process:
Fans had the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists online, contributing 50% of the final decision, while an expert panel of judges determined the remaining 50%.
3. Unforgettable Performances
The Trace Awards 2025 featured electrifying live performances from some of the biggest names in African and global music. Artists from across the continent, as well as international stars influenced by African sounds, took to the stage to deliver unforgettable moments.
- Headlining Performers Included:
- Afrobeats icons from Nigeria, including Rema and Burna Boy
- Tanzania’s biggest stars, including Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu
- Amapiano sensations from South Africa
- Hip-hop and dancehall artists from West Africa and the Caribbean
- Special guest performers from Europe and the Americas
The official house band and talented dancers brought an extra layer of excitement to the performances, making it a truly immersive experience.
4. Cultural and Global Impact
- The Trace Awards continues to showcase the global reach of African music, reinforcing its growing influence in mainstream pop culture.
- Zanzibar, with its rich cultural history and stunning landscapes, provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate African creativity and heritage.
- The event attracted media coverage from top entertainment outlets, helping artists gain further recognition on the international stage.
Why the Trace Awards 2025 Matters
- Empowering African Artists: By recognizing talent, the awards inspire both established and upcoming artists to continue pushing boundaries.
- Bridging the Gap: The event connects African musicians with international audiences, strengthening cultural exchange.
- Promoting African Music Globally: With African genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-fusion dominating global charts, the awards play a crucial role in amplifying the movement.
The Trace Awards 2025 was a true reflection of the power of African music and its ability to unite people across cultures.
Looking Ahead
With the success of the 2025 edition, expectations are already high for the next Trace Awards. The event continues to evolve, creating bigger platforms for African artists to reach global audiences.
Will the next edition bring new surprises? More international collaborations? Even bigger performances? The journey continues!
