Trace Music Awards Tour hits Dar ahead of star-studded event in Zanzibar
Harmonize brings the heat to Dar es Salaam during the Trace Awards Tour stop on 7 February 2025. The Konde Boy, nominated for Best Artist Eastern Africa, joined fellow Tanzanian stars in building momentum for the upcoming Trace Music Awards in Zanzibar. With the spotlight on Tanzania's vibrant music scene, fans can expect an unforgettable celebration of Afro music later this month.
What you need to know:
- The prestigious awards, scheduled to take place from February 24 to 26, 2025, at Mora Zanzibar Resort, will celebrate the best of Afro music and showcase Tanzania’s growing influence on the global entertainment scene.
As part of its ongoing tour to give fans a taste of the excitement, the Trace Awards Tour made a stop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on February 7, 2025.
The event featured live performances and exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with some of the nominated artistes, building momentum for the grand celebration in Zanzibar.
With the stage now set for the highly anticipated event, Johnnie Walker takes the lead as the headline sponsor of the 2025 Trace Music Awards.
The prestigious awards, scheduled to take place from February 24 to 26, 2025, at Mora Zanzibar Resort, will celebrate the best of Afro music and showcase Tanzania’s growing influence on the global entertainment scene.
Organized by Trace, the awards will honour outstanding talents across 24 categories, with Johnnie Walker sponsoring two—‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Best Newcomer.’
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the awards night, the event will also feature a two-day summit bringing together artistes, producers, DJs, talent managers and key industry stakeholders.
The summit will focus on discussions about Africa’s creative industries, branding and the role of technology in shaping the future of entertainment.
Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), the official distributor of Johnnie Walker in Tanzania, emphasizes the importance of partnerships in promoting African music and creativity.
SBL’s Marketing and Innovations Director, Henry Esiaba, expresses his excitement about the collaboration, highlighting how it aligns with Johnnie Walker’s 'Keep Walking' philosophy.
"We are honoured to have Johnnie Walker headline the 2025 Trace Music Awards and to see Tanzania host this globally renowned event. This partnership not only places Tanzania on the world stage but also showcases the spirit of Keep Walking—celebrating progress and inspiring future generations," he shares
On her part, SBL’s Head of Spirits-Marketing, Irene Mutiganzi, echoed the same sentiment, noting that the impact of the event goes beyond music.
"The 2025 Trace Music Awards is a celebration of progress, creativity, and boldness. For Johnnie Walker, this partnership is a powerful statement about our commitment to walking with trailblazers and innovators who shape the future. We look forward to showcasing the very best of African music and culture on a global scale." Says Ms Mutiganzi
Tanzanian artistes have made a strong showing at the Trace Awards 2024, with Diamond Platnumz leading the nominations in three major categories: Song of the Year for his hit Komasawa, Best Male Artist, and Best Artist Eastern Africa.
Zuchu also shines with nominations for Best Artist Eastern Africa and Best Music Video for Nani (Remix), directed by fellow Tanzanian, Folex.
Harmonize joins them in the Best Artist Eastern Africa category, while Young Lunya earns a nod for Best Hip Hop Artist and Abigail Chams is recognized as a Best Newcomer, highlighting the new wave of talent from Tanzania.
Other notable nominees include Alikiba, Mbosso, Jux, and Nandy, further showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Tanzania’s music scene on the continental stage.
In the lead-up to the main event, the Trace Awards Tour will continue visiting major African cities, before the Zanzibar finale, giving fans a glimpse of the excitement to come.
The partnership between Johnnie Walker and Trace promises an unforgettable experience, blending luxury, entertainment, and Africa’s vibrant cultural energy.
As the excitement builds, the 2025 Trace Music Awards are set to place Tanzania in the global spotlight, reaffirming its status as a hub for creativity and innovation in the entertainment industry.
