Global beats and local rhythms at 2025 Trace Music Awards

Anticipation is building as the 2025 Trace Music Awards and Summit readies to take centre stage in Zanzibar from February 24 to 26 at the Mora Resort.

The event, which uniquely combines live performances with industry panels and workshops, promises a comprehensive look at the evolution of Afro-urban music—an evolution that’s been on full display during this year’s Trace Awards Tour.

Recently, the Trace Awards Tour ignited excitement in Dar es Salaam, Lagos, and Nairobi and have set an energetic tone for what’s to come.

Tanzanian hip-hop artiste, Bando MC shares, “These awards are a major milestone for our country, elevating the profile of our music and offering artists increased visibility. “

He adds, “They add a layer of prestige to our entertainment sector, highlighting the importance of further investment. Additionally, the gathering in Zanzibar provides an excellent opportunity for artistes to collaborate, network, and share contacts to explore new creative ventures.”

In Dar es Salaam, Tanzanian stars such as Harmonize and other local talents lit up the city in a vibrant celebration of Afro music.

In Lagos, fans brought the heat by elevating nominees from Nigeria in a series of electrifying events, underscoring that there’s never a dull moment in the region’s music scene.

The afterparty gathering was a vibrant showcase where superstars converged to celebrate nominees from Western Africa in a truly unforgettable scene.

Similarly, at the Alloy Bar and Lounge in Nairobi, the local entertainment industry came together for a night of music, culture, and artistic excellence, underlining the excitement that has been building across the continent.

These events have not only energised fans but also underscored the vital role of community engagement ahead of the main awards in Zanzibar.

The upcoming summit in Zanzibar will feature a dynamic lineup of live performances by some of the biggest names in Afro-urban music.

Nigerian artistes Rema and Yemi Alade will join forces with Tanzanian acts like Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba, Zuchu, Marioo, and Nandy, while Congolese performers such as Fally Ipupa, Innoss’B, and Gaz Mawete add their distinctive flair.

The show also boasts international contributions from South Africa’s Titom & Yuppe, Kenyan artiste Bien, and Senegal’s Wally Seck, among others, with additional acts including Ivory Coast’s Didi B, Josey, Tamsir, KS Bloom, and Team Paiya, as well as talents from France/Haiti, Martinique/French Guiana, Réunion Island, and Uganda.

Beyond the musical performances, the summit is set to provide valuable industry insights through panels and workshops that explore creative processes, technological influences, and market dynamics in today’s music scene.

“The JW x TRACE AWARDS offers an exceptional opportunity for Tanzanians to engage with global industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and celebrate local talent.” says Irene Mutiganzi, Head of Spirits SBL.

Adding that the event, with its two impactful summits and awards ceremony, serves as a chance for Tanzania to shine on the global stage “and drive the conversation around innovation, creativity, and cultural influence,” adds Ms Mutiganzi

These sessions are designed to offer a deeper understanding of how African music is evolving and making its mark on the global stage. Complementing the live experience, the event will be broadcast in multiple languages across various channels, ensuring a global audience can join in the conversation.

Enhancing the overall experience, British Afrobeat group The Compozers has been named the official house band, promising a dynamic musical backdrop throughout the ceremony.

Meanwhile, choreography led by British-Rwandan dancer Sherrie Silver—renowned for her work on Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’—will infuse the event with a unique visual and kinetic energy.

Among the awards, the Song of the Year category is generating considerable buzz, with leading contenders such as Tyla’s “Jump,” Tyler ICU’s “Mnike,” Asake & Travis Scott’s “Active,” Tems’ “Love Me Jeje,” and Burna Boy’s “Higher” all in the running.

Additional entries like Rema and Shallipopi’s “Benin Boys” and Diamond Platnumz’s “Komasawa” further illustrate the competitive spirit and global appeal of today’s Afro-urban music.

With fan voting open until February 15—accounting for 50 percent of the final decision alongside a panel of expert jurors—the 2025 Trace Music Awards & Summit is set to feature artistes from over 30 countries competing across 24 categories.

This event aims to encapsulate the diverse, vibrant, and ever-evolving landscape of African music, providing a platform for both established stars and emerging talent to shine.

As the countdown to this transformative moment continues, industry insiders and music enthusiasts alike are gearing up to witness a defining chapter in the story of Afro-urban music.