BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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The 2025 Trace Awards & Summit, held at The Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania, from February 24 to 26, was a spectacular celebration of African and Afro-inspired music. Now in its second edition, the prestigious event brought together top artists, industry professionals, and fans from across the globe to recognize and honor the best in African music.
With a broad international reach, the ceremony was broadcast live to over 200 countries, reaching an estimated 500 million viewers through 25 Trace African and international channels and more than 50 terrestrial, satellite, and streaming partners. It was available in English, French, and Portuguese, solidifying its position as one of the most significant African music events globally.
Nigerian artists completely stole the spotlight, winning multiple key awards and reaffirming Nigeria’s dominance in the African music industry. From Rema’s triple victory to Asake, Ayra Starr, and Mercy Chinwo’s successes, the night showcased Nigeria’s extraordinary contributions to music.
One of the biggest winners of the night was Rema, who cemented his status as one of Africa’s most accomplished artists by winning Album of the Year for his groundbreaking project, Heis, which showcased his ability to blend Afrobeat, Afropop, and global sounds, setting him apart as a true innovator. He won Best Male Artist for his stellar run through the past year in terms of music, performance and overall excellence and his track, DND, off his 2023 EP, Ravage, won Best Music Video, praised for its stunning cinematography and storytelling. His dominance at the awards certainly underscores his appeal on a global level, especially with his record-breaking world tour and continued chart success across Africa, Europe, and the U.S.
After receiving his awards, he went ahead to give a spectacular performance on the stage that enthralled and amazed all that were present at the award show. An outstanding crescendo fit for an already amazing night.
Afropop sensation Ayra Starr, one of the continent’s most dynamic young stars, took home the award for Best West African Artist. Her distinctive style, catchy melodies, and impressive vocal range have made her a force to be reckoned with, both in Africa and internationally. Coming off an incredible year that saw her collaborate with top global artists, perform on major international stages, and release hit singles, Ayra Starr’s victory was well-earned. She continues to prove why she is among the leading voices of Nigeria’s new generation of music superstars.
Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo won Best Gospel Artist, recognizing her spiritual impact through music. With her soulful voice and inspirational songs, she has built a dedicated global following. Her ability to seamlessly blend traditional gospel elements with contemporary Afro-inspired rhythms makes her one of the most celebrated gospel artists in Africa.
One of the industry’s most in-demand producers, P.Priime, was honored with the Best Producer award for his outstanding work on MMS. His ability to craft chart-topping hits has made him one of Nigeria’s most influential producers, with his beats shaping the sound of modern Afrobeats.
The Best Music Video award went to Meji Alabi for directing Rema’s ‘DND’. Known for his cinematic approach to storytelling, Meji has been instrumental in elevating the visual presentation of African music videos, working with some of the industry’s biggest names. His win further proves Nigeria’s dominance in visual storytelling and music production.
Legendary Nigerian artist D’banj was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to African music. From global hits like ‘Oliver Twist’ to pioneering Afrobeats’ international breakthrough, D’banj’s influence is undeniable and his run was certainly well deserved.
While Asake didn’t win an individual award, his impact was still widely acknowledged. His hit collaboration with Travis Scott, Active, was nominated for Song of the Year, a testament to his ability to blend Nigerian street-hop with global hip-hop elements. Asake remains one of the most sought-after Afrobeats artists, with his unique style resonating deeply with fans worldwide.
Beyond Nigeria’s success, artists from across Africa made history at the 2025 Trace Awards.
Kenyan singer Bien, a key member of Sauti Sol, won Best East African Artist. With his soulful voice and exceptional songwriting, he has played a crucial role in shaping Kenyan and East African pop culture. His music continues to resonate with fans, making him one of the region’s most respected artists.
Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz won Best Global African Artist, recognizing his global impact and contributions to taking African music beyond the continent. His extensive international collaborations and consistently high-quality music have positioned him as a major force in global Afrobeats and Bongo Flava.
South African duo Titom & Yuppe won Song of the Year for their viral track Tshwala Bam, which dominated charts and dance floors across Africa. This win highlights South Africa’s growing influence in shaping the contemporary Afrobeats and Amapiano movement.
The Best Collaboration award went to Ivory Coast’s Tam Sir & Team Paiya for Coup du Marteau. Their success highlights Francophone Africa’s rising prominence in the continental music industry.
Ultimately, the 2025 Trace Awards & Summit once again proved that African music is a dominant force on the global stage. From Nigeria’s continued influence to the rise of artists from East, South, and Francophone Africa, the event highlighted the diverse and rich sounds of the continent.
As African artists continue to push boundaries and gain international recognition, the future of African music looks brighter than ever. The Trace Awards has undoubtedly established itself as a premier event in global music, celebrating the best of Africa’s artistry, culture, and impact on the world stage.
FULL LIST OF 2025 TRACE AWARDS WINNERS
