The Trace Awards 2025 took center stage on February 26, 2025, at the stunning Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The event wrapped up an electrifying three-day Trace Awards & Summit, celebrating African and Afro-inspired music.
Broadcast live to over 200 countries and captivating an estimated 500 million viewers, this year’s ceremony was a fusion of culture, creativity, and global recognition. With a unique 50-50 voting system—where fan votes counted as much as the expert jury’s—the awards honored top artists across Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, and more.
Memorable Wins & Standout Moments
- P.Priime clinched Best Producer for his stellar work on Asake & Wizkid’s “MMS”, solidifying his place as a beat-making maestro.
- Makhadzi dazzled the crowd, securing Best Dancer with her electrifying moves.
- Josey (Ivory Coast), Chelsea Dinorath (Angola), and Duquesa (Brazil) claimed regional victories, highlighting the global impact of Afro-inspired music.
- Tshwala Bam by Titom & Yuppe took home Song of the Year, proving the unstoppable power of Amapiano.
- Rema’s “Heis” bagged Album of the Year, marking another huge win for Nigerian music.
- Tyla continued her winning streak, claiming Best Female Artist, while Diamond Platnumz won Best Global African Artist.
The night was a true testament to African music’s dominance on the global stage.
See the Full List of Trace Awards 2025 Winners Below:
Song of the Year
- Titom & Yuppe – “Tshwala Bam” (South Africa)
Album of the Year
- Rema – “Heis” (Nigeria)
Best Collaboration
- Tamsir & Team Paiya – “Coup du Marteau” (Ivory Coast)
Best Music Video
- Meji Alabi – Rema “DND” (Nigeria)
Best Dancer
- Makhadzi (South Africa)
Best DJ
- DJ Moh Green – “Kelele” (Algeria)
Best Hip-Hop Artist
- Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Best Global African Artist
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Best Male Artist
- Rema (Nigeria)
Best Female Artist
- Tyla (South Africa)
Best Live Performance
- Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Best Producer
- P.Priime – “MMS” (Nigeria)
Best Gospel Artist
- Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
Best Newcomer
- Qing Madi (Nigeria)
Best Artist (Eastern Africa)
- Bien (Kenya)
Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Best Artist (Southern Africa)
- Tyler ICU (South Africa)
Best Artist (Francophone Africa)
- Josey (Ivory Coast)
Best Artist (Lusophone Africa)
- Chelsea Dinorath (Angola)
Best Artist (Brazil)
- Duquesa (Brazil)
Best Artist (Caribbean)
- Mathieu White (Guadeloupe)
Lifetime Achievement Award
- D’Banj
The Trace Awards 2025 once again proved why African music remains a driving force in global entertainment. Who were your favorite winners? Let us know in the comments.
