The 2nd edition of the Trace Awards and Summit is set to take centre stage from February 24 to 26, 2025, at the Mora, Zanzibar, promising an electrifying celebration of African music, culture, and creativity. This landmark event will turn the island into a pulsating hub of musical excellence, fashion, and innovation, culminating in an awards ceremony that honours the best Afro-inspired talent worldwide.
The Trace Awards & Summit 2025 is set to be a landmark event celebrating the richness and diversity of Afro-Caribbean music. This year’s ceremony aims to honor outstanding achievements across various Afro-inspired music genres, including Afrobeat, dancehall, hip-hop, Afropop, and more.
Event Highlights:
- Dates: February 24–26, 2025
- Location: The Mora Zanzibar Resort, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Broadcast: Live across 25 Trace African and international channels, as well as over 50 terrestrial, satellite, and streaming partners, reaching an estimated audience of at least 500 million fans.
Nominees: Artists from over 30 countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe are competing in 24 categories. Leading the nominations are South Africa’s Tyla and Tyler ICU, Nigeria’s Asake and Rema, and the ever-influential Burna Boy. Notably, Tyla has been nominated in six categories, including Song of the Year for her hit “Jump” and Best Global African Artist.
BIEN: Kenya’s sole nominee for ‘Best Artist-East Africa’ at the Trace Awards.
Kenyan artist Bien has earned a well-deserved nomination for Best Artist – East Africa, marking him as the country’s sole representative in this competitive category. He goes up against high-flying artists such as Diamond Platnumz, Zuchu, Marioo, Harmonize, and Joshua Baraka.
His nomination underscores the growing influence of East African music on the global stage and highlights the impact of his unique sound, lyrical prowess, and dynamic performances.
Bien, a former member of Sauti Sol, has steadily carved out his solo career, blending Afro-pop with contemporary influences. His nomination at the Trace Awards is a testament to the strength and versatility of East African music, which continues to break barriers and gain international recognition.
Spotlight On East African Talent
While Bien stands as Kenya’s only nominee, several other East African artists have secured nominations in various categories, reflecting the region’s growing presence in the Afrobeat-dominated music scene. Artists from Tanzania, Rwanda, and beyond have made their mark, competing for top honours in diverse categories, including Best Music Video, Best Global Artist, and Song of the Year.
Other notable nominees from East Africa include:
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) – Best Global African Artist, Best Male Artist, Best Live Performance, Song Of The Year
- Director Folex for Zuchu featuring Innoss’ B “Nani” (Remix)(Tanzania)– Best Music Video
- Young Lunya(Tanzania)– Best Hip-Hop Artist
- Abigail Chams(Tanzania)- Best Newcomer
- Bella Kombo(Tanzania)- Best Gospel Artist
- Israel Mbonyi(Rwanda)- Best Gospel Artist
These nominations reaffirm East Africa’s crucial role in shaping contemporary African music, providing a platform for artists to reach global audiences.
The Trace Awards: A Milestone For African Music
The Trace Awards and Summit 2025 is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a statement on the unstoppable rise of African music worldwide. With nominees spanning Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro-pop, Bongo Flava, and more, the event will showcase the diversity and depth of talent across the continent.
Heavyweights like Burna Boy, Asake, Rema, and Tyla dominate major categories, but the inclusion of East African artists highlights the region’s expanding influence. As African music continues to gain traction on global charts, events like the Trace Awards play a crucial role in elevating these voices and connecting artists with international audiences.
Show your support for your favourite artist by voting for them.
Fans have the power to make their voices heard by voting for their favourite artists in various categories. Supporters can visit the official Trace Awards voting platform to cast their votes and ensure that East African music gets the recognition it deserves.
View the full list of nominees: click here
Vote for your favourite artists: click here
A Moment For Celebration
Bien’s nomination, along with the recognition of other East African artists, is a testament to the region’s artistic excellence and the global appeal of its music. As the countdown to the Trace Awards 2025 begins, all eyes will be on Zanzibar, where Africa’s biggest stars will converge for a night of celebration, triumph, and cultural pride.
Beyond the awards ceremony, the event will feature a two-day summit focusing on music, culture, and innovation, transforming Zanzibar into a vibrant epicenter of Afro-Caribbean artistry.
Will East Africa bring home a trophy? That remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—African music is continuously gaining more grounds, and East Africa is proving why it should also matter.
Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to Trace Awards 2025!
The Trace Awards & Summit 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration, honoring the talents and contributions of artists who have significantly impacted the Afro-Caribbean music scene.
