Davido and Rema score twice each at glittering ceremony. African and Afro-inspired music took center stage at the Trace Awards in Kigali on Saturday, October 21, 2023, where top artists from across the continent and the African diaspora were honored for their outstanding contributions to the music industry.
Davido, the Nigerian superstar, had a night to remember as he clinched two prestigious awards, securing the titles for Best Male Artist and Best Collaboration alongside South Africa’s Musa Keys for their track “Unavailable.”
Rema, another Nigerian sensation, also left a significant mark at the ceremony by winning in the Global African Artist and Song of the Year categories with his hit single “Calm Down.”
The coveted Best Album award was claimed by Burna Boy for his exceptional work “Love Damini.” Vivian Chidid was recognized as the Best Female Artist in this dazzling event.
The awards also celebrated artists from different regions of Africa. The accolade for Best Artist – East Africa went to Diamond Platnumz, while Rwanda’s local hero, Bruce Melodie, triumphed in the Best Rwandan Artist category.
Ivory Coast’s Didi B earned the title of Best Artist Africa – Francophone, while his compatriots KS Bloom and Tam Sir were awarded in the Best Gospel Artist and Best Producer categories, respectively. Lisandro Cuxi was named Best Artist Africa – Lusophone.
In recognition of his illustrious music career, Nigerian legend 2Face was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The list of winners also included Rutshelle Guillance as Best Artist – Caribbean, Goulam as Best Artist – Indian Ocean, and Dystinct as Best Artist – North Africa. Yemi Alade’s chart-topping hit “Baddie” secured the Best Video award.
Notable music maker and entrepreneur, Mr. Eazi, received a special ChangeMarker Award for his philanthropic efforts.
The international reach of African music was showcased as British rapper Central Cee was named Best Artist – UK, Tayc took home the trophy for Best Artist – France & Belgium, Ludmilla won Best Artist – Brazil, and Michael Brun was crowned Best DJ for Haiti.
The Trace Awards featured an array of artists from over thirty countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe. These artists and their performances displayed the incredible creativity and influence of African contemporary music on the global stage.
The awards show, held at the BK Arena, featured a mesmerizing fusion of musical genres, from Afrobeat to Bongo Flava, Coupé Decalé, Soukouss, Rap, Rai, Gospel, and more. The event was hosted by Afrobeat legend D’Banj and Angolan supermodel Maria Borges.
Performers at the Trace Awards included a star-studded lineup, with Diamond Platnumz, Davido, Bruce Melodie, and many more, who showcased the richness and diversity of African music.
Trace, the global music powerhouse, organized the Trace Awards to celebrate its 20th anniversary and pay tribute to the creativity, talent, and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists. The awards recognized excellence across a wide range of musical genres, including Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba.
The Trace Awards, presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell, were broadcast live on October 21, 2023, on Trace TV channels, radio and digital platforms, and on global streaming services, national terrestrial TV, and satellite channels. A 90-minute highlights show will be aired on Trace channels and partner TV stations and platforms starting from October 28.
For a complete list of the Trace Awards winners, please visit [link to winners list].
Olivier Laouchez, Chairman and Co-Founder of Trace, commented, “Tonight has been a triumphant demonstration of the power and creativity of African and African-origin artists. All the nominees and performers at the Trace Awards underlined exactly why African contemporary music has become a global phenomenon. We congratulate all the nominees, winners, and performers for their achievements and for demonstrating their talent, imagination, and creativity to a global audience.”
