The Trace Awards took over Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday 21 October 2023, and African stars put on a show to remember. On the night, the BK Arena resounded to contemporary rhythms and vibes from across Africa and the African diaspora. Highlights of the main show include collaborations between artists of different nationalities and music genres.

Davido won Best Male and Best Collaboration for “Unavailable,” which he co-wrote with Musa Keys from South Africa. Rema’s “Calm Down” received nominations for Global African Artist and Song of the Year. Burna Boy’s “Love Damini” was named Best Album, and Vivian Chidid was named Best Female.

Didi B was named Best Artist Africa – Francophone for Ivory Coast, while fellow countrymen KS Bloom and Tam Sir were named Best Gospel Artist and Best Producer, respectively. Lisandro Cuxi was selected Africa’s Best Artist – Lusophone. Nigeria’s 2Face received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his long and illustrious music career.

Music maker and entrepreneur, Mr Eazi, took home a special ChangeMarker award for his philanthropic work.

Looking further north, British rapper Central Cee triumphed as Best Artist – UK, while Tayc took home the trophy for Best Artist – France & Belgium.  Ludmilla took home the trophy for Best Artist – Brazil and Michael Brun was named Best DJ for Haiti. 

Competing in 26 award categories were Africa and Afro-inspired artists from more than thirty countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and Europe.

Fronted by Afrobeat legend D’Banj and Angolan supermodel Maria Borges, the Trace Awards featured performances and collaborations from 50+ stars, melding Afrobeat with Bongo Flava, Coupé Decalé, Soukouss, Rap, Rai, Gospel and more. Performers included Diamond Platnumz, (Tanzania), Davido (Nigeria), Bamby (French Guiana), Benjamin Dube (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), Bwiza (Rwanda), Didi B (Ivory Coast), Mr Eazi (Nigeria), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), BNXN (Nigeria), K.O (South Africa), Musa Keys (South Africa), and more artists.

Trace, a global music enormous and Afro-music tastemaker, hosted the first Trace Awards to commemorate the innovation, talent, and influence of African and Afro inspired music and performers. The Awards celebrated the excellence and diversity of Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba music.

For a full list of the winners of the Trace Awards please click here.