
Trace Awards 2025: All the winners
The winners for the 2025 edition of Trace Awards were announced in Zanzibar, on 26 February. The event brought together the biggest stars in the industry to celebrate the incredible achievements of African artists, producers, and performers. This year’s event highlighted the continent’s growing global influence, with Afrobeats, amapiano, and various African music genres taking centre stage.
- Zuchu received a special Zanzibar Award for her outstanding impact on the Tanzanian music scene.
South African duo Titom & Yuppe took home the coveted Song of the Year award for their smash hit ‘Tshwala Bam’, a track that ignited dance floors across the globe. Their infectious beat and energetic rhythm made the song a cultural phenomenon.
Nigerian superstar Rema continued his meteoric rise, winning Album of the Year for Heis, a project that seamlessly blends Afrobeats with international sounds, further cementing his place as one of Africa’s most dynamic artists. He also took home the Best Male Artist award, reaffirming his dominance in the industry.
In the Best Collaboration category, Ivorians Tam Sir & Team Paiya captivated audiences with ‘Coup du Marteau’, an electrifying song that combined rhythm, energy, and masterful production. Meanwhile, the Best Music Video award went to the visionary Meji Alabi for his bold direction of Rema’s ‘DND’, a visually stunning masterpiece.
South African powerhouse Makhadzi once again proved her exceptional stage presence, winning Best Dancer for her dynamic performances. In the DJ category, DJ Moh Green from Algeria was honoured as Best DJ, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s most influential mixmasters.
Tanzanian sensation Diamond Platnumz continued his global domination, winning Best Global African Artist, while Ivorian rapper Didi B stood out in the Best Hip Hop Artist category with his sharp flow and undeniable talent.
Among female artists, South Africa’s Tyla was named Best Female Artist, a well-deserved recognition for her originality and unique style that has captivated listeners worldwide. Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo took home the Best Gospel Artist award, touching hearts with her soulful and uplifting music.
Regional winners included Ivorian singer Josey, who was crowned Best French-Speaking Artist, and Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr, who continues to dominate West Africa with her powerful voice and hit songs. In Southern Africa, Tyler ICU secured the award, affirming his place as a key player in the region’s music scene.
Kenyan artist Bien was recognised as Best East African Artist, while Chelsea Dinorath of Angola stood out as Best Portuguese-Speaking Artist for her undeniable talent. Representing Tanzania, Nandy was honoured as Best Tanzanian Artist for her remarkable contributions to the industry.
Below is the full list of winners:
Global Awards
Song of the Year
- Titom & Yuppe – ‘Tshwala Bam’ (South Africa)
- Tyla – ‘Jump’ (South Africa)
- Tyler ICU – ‘Mnike’ (South Africa)
- Tamsir x Team Paiya – ‘Coup du Marteau’ (Ivory Coast)
- Asake & Travis Scott – ‘Active’ (Nigeria)
- Tems – ‘Love Me Jeje’ (Nigeria)
- Burna Boy – ‘Higher’ (Nigeria)
- Rema & Shallipopi – ‘Benin Boys’ (Nigeria)
- Diamond Platnumz – ‘Komasawa’ (Tanzania)
Album of the Year
- Rema – Heis (Nigeria)
- Burna Boy – I Told Them (Nigeria)
- Asake – Lungu Boy (Nigeria)
- Josey – Vibration Universelle (Ivory Coast)
- Amaarae – Fountain Baby (Ghana)
- King Promise – True To Self (Ghana)
- Stonebwoy – 5th Dimension (Ghana)
- Toofan – Stamina (Togo)
Best Collaboration
- Tamsir & Team Paiya – ‘Coup du Marteau’ (Ivory Coast)
- Titom & Yuppe & Burna Boy – ‘Tshwala Bam’ (Remix) (South Africa/Nigeria)
- Neyna & MC Acondize – ‘Nu Ka Sta Para’ (Cape Verde)
- Kocee ft. Patoranking – ‘Credit Alert’ (Cameroon/Nigeria)
- Asake & Wizkid – ‘MMS’ (Nigeria)
- Rema & Shallipopi – ‘Benin Boys’ (Nigeria)
- Odumodublvck & Black Sherif – ‘Woto Woto Seasoning’ (Ghana)
Best Music Video
- Meji Alabi – Rema ‘DND’ (Nigeria)
- TG Omori – Kizz Daniel & Davido ‘Twe Twe’ (Nigeria)
- Director Folex – Zuchu feat Innoss’ B ‘Nani’ (Remix) (Tanzania/DRC)
- Nabil Elderkin – Tyla ‘Jump’ (South Africa)
- Kmane – Ayra Starr ‘Commas’ (Nigeria)
- Seoute Emmanuel – Toofan ‘C Pas Normal’ (Togo)
- Ach’B – Innoss’ B ‘Sete’ (DRC)
- Edgar Esteves – Asake & Wizkid ‘MMS’ (Nigeria)
Best Dancer
- Makhadzi (South Africa)
- Ikorodu Boys (Nigeria)
- Dancegod Lloyd (Ghana)
- Incredible Zigi (Ghana)
- Kamo Mphela (South Africa)
- Telminho (Angola)
- Ordinateur (Ivory Coast)
- Issac Kalonji (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Best DJ
- DJ Moh Green – ‘Kelele’ (Algeria)
- Tyler ICU – ‘Mnike’ (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles – ‘Wadibusa’ (South Africa)
- DJ Tunez – ‘Apala Disco Remix’ (Nigeria)
- DJ Nelasta – ‘Eros’ (Angola)
- DJ Spinall ft. Tyla & Omah Lay – ‘One Call’ (Nigeria)
- DJ Neptune ft. Qing Madi – ‘Honest’ (Nigeria)
- DJ Maphorisa – ‘Mnike’ (South Africa)
- Kabza De Small – ‘Imithandazo’ (South Africa)
Best Hip Hop Artist (sponsored by Hot 97)
- Didi B (Ivory Coast)
- Nasty C (South Africa)
- Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
- Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)
- Sarkodie (Ghana)
- Young Lunya (Tanzania)
- Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
Pan-African Awards
Best Global African Artist
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Tyler ICU (South Africa)
- Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Asake (Nigeria/USA)
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Best Male Artist
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
- Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- Asake (Nigeria)
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Wizkid (Nigeria)
- Stonebwoy (Ghana)
Best Female Artist
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Makhadzi (South Africa)
- Chelsea Dinorath (Angola)
- Josey (Ivory Coast)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Tems (Nigeria)
- Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Live Performance
- Fally Ipupa (DRC)
- Ayra Starr – 21: The World Tour (Nigeria)
- Burna Boy – I Told Them (Nigeria)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Yemi Alade – African Rebel Tour (Nigeria)
- Didi B – Mojo Trone Tour (Ivory Coast)
- Diamond Platnumz – Wasafi Festival (Tanzania)
Best Producer
- P.Priime – ‘MMS’ (Nigeria)
- Kelvin Momo – ‘Sewe’ (South Africa)
- DJ Maphorisa – ‘Mnike’ (South Africa)
- Tam Sir – ‘Coup du Marteau’ (Ivory Coast)
- Sarz – ‘Happiness’ (Nigeria)
- Jae 5 – ‘Perfect Combi’ (Ghana)
- KDDO – ‘For Certain’ (Party Next Door) (Nigeria)
- London – ‘Ozeba’ (Nigeria)
- Kabza De Small – ‘Imithandazo’ (South Africa)
Best Gospel Artist
- Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
- Spirit of Praise 10 (South Africa)
- KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
- Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
- Bella Kombo (Tanzania)
- Israël Mbonyi (Rwanda)
Regional Awards
Best Artist Eastern Africa
- Bien (Kenya)
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
- Harmonize (Tanzania)
- Rophnan (Ethiopia)
- Marioo (Tanzania)
- Zuchu (Tanzania)
- Nandy (Tanzania)
Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
- Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
- Tems (Nigeria)
- Chike (Nigeria)
- Simi (Nigeria)
- KiDi (Ghana)
Best Artist (Southern Africa)
- Tyler ICU (South Africa)
- Titom & Yuppe (South Africa)
- De Mthuda (South Africa)
- Inkabi Zezwe (South Africa)
- Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Best Artist Francophone Africa
- Josey (Ivory Coast)
- Didi B (Ivory Coast)
- Tidiane Mario (Congo)
- Gaz Mawete (Democratic Republic of Congo)
- Wally B. Seck (Senegal)
- PhillBill (Cameroon)
Best Artist (Lusophone Africa)
- Chelsea Dinorath (Angola)
- Calema (São Tomé and Príncipe)
- Landrick (Angola)
- Twenty Fingers (Mozambique)
- Mr. Bow (Mozambique)
- Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
Best Artist (Tanzania)
- Nandy (Tanzania)
- Mbosso (Zanzibar)
- Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
- Zuchu (Zanzibar)
- Marioo (Tanzania)
- Alikiba (Tanzania)
- Jux (Tanzania)
- Harmonize (Tanzania)
International and Diaspora Awards
Best Artist (Europe)
- Joe Dwet File (France/Haiti)
- Central Cee (United Kingdom)
- Kalash (France/Martinique)
- Darkoo (United Kingdom)
- Jungeli (France)
- Franglish (France)
- Aya Nakamura (France/Mali)
Best Artist (Brazil)
- Duquesa (Brazil)
- Racionais MC’s (Brazil)
- MC IG (Brazil)
- Péricles (Brazil)
- Tasha & Tracie (Brazil)
- Ludmilla (Brazil)
Best Artist (Caribbean)
- Lea Churro (Reunion Island)
- Venssy (French Guiana)
- Mathieu White (Guadeloupe)
- Meryl (Martinique)
- Nesly (French Guiana)
- Shenseea (Jamaica)
- Kenny Haiti (Haiti)
Best Artist (Indian Ocean)
- Barth (Reunion)
- Goulam (Comoros)
- PLL (Reunion)
- Kalipsxau (Reunion)
- Léa Churros (Reunion)
- Jamily Jeanne (Mauritius)
Lifetime Achievement Award
- D’Banj
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