In 2023, to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Trace media group, dedicated to Afro-urban music and cultures, decided to create its own awards to honor artists from the African continent and the diaspora. After a successful first edition in Rwanda, the Trace Awards returned this year with an even more vibrant ceremony.
A Celebration of Pan-African Creativity
This year’s Trace Awards once again highlighted the vitality, diversity, and creativity of the African music scene, featuring artists from over 30 countries and a wide range of musical styles, from Nigerian Afrobeats to South African Amapiano.
The ceremony honored over 20 artists, with Nigerian star Rema standing out by winning two trophies: Best Artist and Album of the Year, in addition to Best Video for his hit DND. On the female side, South African star Tyla was crowned Artist of the Year. Tamsir and Team Paiya won Best Collaboration for their hit Le Coup du Marteau. Among other winners, Ivorian artist Didi B took home Best Hip-Hop Artist, while Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz was named Best Global African Artist. Nigerian legend D’Banj received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Finally, the Best Song of the Year went to Tshwala Bam by the South African duo Titom & Yuppe.
A Platform for the African Music Industry
Beyond the celebratory aspect of the ceremony, Trace TV aimed to contribute to the visibility of African talent and the structuring of the music industry on the continent.
The event provided artists with a significant international platform. Although the live broadcast was disrupted by weather conditions, the ceremony still received extensive media coverage through the group’s 29 television channels, reaching over 200 countries in English, French, and Portuguese.
Moreover, by bringing together artists, labels, producers, distributors, investors, and fans of African music, the Trace Awards helped connect African talent to global markets.
This year, Trace TV also innovated by organizing a Summit alongside the Awards on February 24 and 25. While more and more young African artists are emerging on streaming platforms, their talent often remains under-monetized due to a lack of industry knowledge. By gathering experts and professionals for two days of discussions, the Summit aimed to help the African music industry professionalize and empower artists to advocate for their interests—an initiative warmly applauded!
