Open call: Africa Top 30 initiative

First presented in 2022, the list honours next-generation cultural influencers from Africa shaping culture both on the continent and globally.

The organisers are inviting nominations for cultural shapeshifters who have made significant contributions to advancing and evolving culture across various domains, including:

• Music
• Film
• Media
• Fashion
• Art

Interested creatives can read the scheme’s terms and conditions and nominate themselves here.

“We want creators to know that we see them, we hear them, and we celebrate them for their excellence,” a Trace spokesperson said. “Trace is delighted to be partnering with Johnnie Walker in bringing this new awards platform to life.”

“Our intention for the Keep Walking: Africa Top 30 list is to not only recognise them but to be an inspiration to all African creators to take bold steps in shifting the continent’s culture, especially as the world re-opens after lockdown,” Johnnie Walker added.

Last year, 11 African music artists were named in the inaugural list. They are Ruger (Nigeria), Guchi (Nigeria), Tempoe (Nigeria), DJ Desiree (South Africa), Ish Kevin (Rwanda), De Hermes (Mozambique), Moses Keys (South Africa), Pongo (Angola), Marioo (Tanzania), DJ Black Spygo (Angola) and Yilim (Ivory Coast).

View the original call here.