February 27, 2025
The Trace Awards 2025 returned with a dazzling ceremony, bringing together top African and global music stars to celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry. This year’s event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, showcased a night of electrifying performances, emotional wins, and a celebration of the diversity of contemporary African music.
A Star-Studded Event
The awards ceremony, hosted by renowned media personalities, featured performances from some of the biggest names in Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African music genres. Among the highlights was a surprise collaboration between Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and South African sensation Focalistic, which left the audience in awe.
Big Winners of the Night
Several artists took home prestigious awards, with categories ranging from Best African Artist to Breakthrough Act of the Year. This year’s top honors included:
- Best African Artist: Wizkid (Nigeria)
- Breakthrough Act of the Year: Tyla (South Africa)
- Best Collaboration: Davido & Musa Keys – Unstoppable
- Best Music Video: Rema – Calm Down
- Best Francophone Artist: Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)
These winners reflect the growing impact of African music on the global stage, with many artists gaining international recognition and chart success.
Tributes and Special Recognitions
The night also paid tribute to legendary African musicians who have paved the way for today’s artists. A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Angelique Kidjo for her decades-long contributions to world music and her influence in bringing African sounds to the global audience.
The Future of African Music
The Trace Awards 2025 reinforced the influence of African music in the international industry. With streaming numbers soaring and major collaborations between African and global artists, the future of the genre looks brighter than ever. As African music continues to break boundaries, the Trace Awards remain a significant platform for recognizing and elevating talent from the continent and beyond.
With another successful year in the books, fans and artists alike eagerly anticipate what the future holds for African music at next year’s event.
