Trace Awards 2025: Who Are the Big Winners of African Music?

On February 26, 2025, Zanzibar hosted the prestigious Trace Awards, a must-attend event celebrating excellence in African music. Held at the Mora Resort, this gathering brought together the biggest stars of the continent to honor the artists shaping the music industry.

Objectives of the Ceremony

The Trace Awards aim to:

Highlight the diversity of African music genres (Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, Afropop, etc.).

Promote African culture on a global scale.

Reward artists who make a significant impact on the music industry.

Strengthen the connection between African talents and their audiences.

Showcase iconic African destinations, like Zanzibar, as cultural and tourist hubs.

The Big Winners of the 2025 Edition

This edition saw several artists stand out for their talent and influence on both the African and international music scenes:

Song of the Year: Tshwala Bam – Titom & Yuppe (South Africa)

Album of the Year: Heis – Rema (Nigeria)

Best Male Artist: Rema (Nigeria)

Best Collaboration: Coup du Marteau – Tam Sir & Team Paiya (Côte d’Ivoire)

Best Music Video: DND – Directed by Meji Alabi (Nigeria)

Best Female Dancer: Makhadzi (South Africa)

Best DJ: DJ Moh Green (Algeria)

Best Global African Artist: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Best Hip-Hop Artist: Didi B (Côte d’Ivoire)

Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Nandy (Tanzania)

Artists Beyond the Continent Also Honored

The Trace Awards 2025 did not limit their recognition to artists based in Africa. Several talents from the African diaspora and other regions were also awarded, highlighting the growing influence of African music worldwide:

Best European Diaspora Artist: Joe Dwet Filé (France)

Best Brazilian Diaspora Artist: Duquesa (Brazil)

Best Caribbean Diaspora Artist: Lea Churros (Réunion)

A Celebration of African Culture

The Trace Awards 2025 once again demonstrated the vitality and increasing impact of African music on the global stage. This ceremony is not just a recognition of individual talents but also a collective celebration of African culture in all its diversity and richness.

As a label dedicated to celebrating and promoting the universal African culture, AMG Records is proud to support and celebrate these artists who represent the continent on the world stage. We remain committed to promoting and uplifting African talents, contributing to the growth and global recognition of africa musical heritage.

So, what will be the next big African hit? The answer will unfold in the coming months!