By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
ZANZIBAR, Tanzania – The 2025 Trace Awards celebrated African musical excellence in a star-studded ceremony at the scenic Mora Resort in Zanzibar on Wednesday, February 26. The event, which brought together the continent’s biggest stars, recognized outstanding contributions to the music industry, with Nigerian artists taking center stage.
Afrobeats sensation Rema emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, bagging two prestigious awards: Album of the Year for his chart-topping project Heis and Best Male Artist. His dominance in the industry continues to solidify Afrobeats as a global force.
Another Nigerian superstar, Ayra Starr, took home the Best West African Artist award, reaffirming her status as a leading female voice in the genre. Similarly, gospel powerhouse Mercy Chinwo was honored as Best Gospel Artist, a testament to her influence in contemporary African gospel music.
A highlight of the night was the recognition of veteran artist D’Banj, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to the African music industry. With a career spanning over two decades, D’Banj remains one of the pioneers of Afrobeats, and his impact on the genre is widely celebrated.
Beyond Nigeria, South African duo Titom & Yuppe won Song of the Year for their hit track Tshwala Bam, which has been a club favorite across the continent. The duo’s win underscores the growing dominance of Amapiano music in Africa’s contemporary soundscape.
The 2025 Trace Awards served as a major platform for recognizing African music talents, further positioning the continent as a dominant force in global entertainment. The event was attended by key industry stakeholders, artists, and fans, all celebrating Africa’s rich and diverse musical culture.
With Nigerian artists leading the charge, the night reaffirmed the country’s influence in shaping the global music industry. Fans and industry watchers will be eager to see how these award-winning acts continue to evolve and set new standards in the world of entertainment.
