On October 21, 2023, Trace, a renowned global music influencer and a powerhouse in the world of Afro-music, held its first-ever Trace Awards 2023 at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
The purpose of this event was to recognize and honour the creativity, talent, and significant impact of African and Afro-inspired music and artists.
The awards ceremony featured a staggering total of over 150 nominated artists, serving as a grand platform to showcase the incredible excellence and diversity within Afro-centric music.
Various genres, including Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba, were celebrated during this event.
The ceremony was skillfully hosted by the Nigerian music icon, D’Banj, alongside the Angolan global supermodel, Maria Borges.
The music superstars who took the stage to perform included the likes of Davido, Yemi Alade, Black Sherif, Kizz Daniel, and many others.
This year’s impressive lineup of nominees featured well-known artists such as Davido, Burna Boy, Blxckie, Yemi Alade, Libianca, DJ Maphorisa, and many more.
If you missed the live broadcast, we’ve compiled a list of the winners of the Trace Awards 2023 for you to discover. See the list below:
- Best Music Video – “Baddie” Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
- Best Artist France & Belgium – Tayc (France)
- Best Producer – Tam Sir (Ivory Coast)
- Best Artist North Africa – Dystinct (Morocco)
- Best Artist UK – Central Cee
- Best Artist Indian Ocean – Goulam (Comoros)
- Best Artist Francophone Africa – Didi B (Ivory Coast)
- Best DJ – Michael Brun (Haiti)
- Best Gospel Artist – KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
- Best Artist The Caribbean – Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti)
- Best Artist Anglophone Africa – Asake (Nigeria)
- Best Global African Artist – Rema
- Best Newcomer – Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)
- Best Collaboration – “Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)
- Best Dancer – Robot Boii (South Africa)
- Best Artist Lusophone Africa – Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
- Changemaker Trace Award – Mr Eazi (Nigeria)
- Best Live – Fally Ipupa (DRC)
- Lifetime Achievement Award – 2Baba (Nigeria)
- Album of the Year – “Love Damini” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Best Female Artist – Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
- Best Male Artist – Davido (Nigeria)
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