Rema, Ayra Starr, Mercy Chinwo dominate 2025 trace awards in grand style
Nigerian artists dominated the 2025 Trace Awards, held on February 26 at Mora Resort, Zanzibar, Tanzania. The event celebrated excellence in African music, with top Nigerian stars clinching major awards.
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Rema led the winners, taking home two prestigious awards, Album of the Year for “Heis and Best Male Artist”. Ayra Starr, on the other hand, continued her winning streak, securing the “Best West African Artist” award, while gospel singer Mercy Chinwo was recognized as “Best Gospel Artist” for her inspiring contributions to the genre.
Afrobeats icon D’banj was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” celebrating his remarkable impact on the industry.
Other Nigerian winners included P. Priime, who won “Best Producer” for his work on “MMS” and Meji Alabi, who won “Best Music Video” for directing Rema’s “DND”.
The Song of the Year award went to ‘Tshwala Bam’ by South African duo Titom & Yuppe, reflecting the growing global appeal of African music.
Other key winners included Diamond Platnumz, who won ‘Best Global African Artist’ and Tyla, who secured ‘Best Female Artist.’
The ‘Best Hip Hop Artist’ award was won by Ivorian rapper Didi B, while Fally Ipupa took ‘Best Live Performance’ DJ Moh Green from Algeria was named Best DJ, and South Africa’s Makhadzi won ‘Best Dancer.’
The regional categories also recognized top artists across Africa. Kenya’s Bien won ‘Best Eastern African Artist’, while Tyler ICU was named ‘Best Southern African Artist’. Josey from Ivory Coast took ‘Best Francophone Artist’, and Chelsea Dinorath from Angola won ‘Best Lusophone Artist.’
The fact that Nigerian leading is a testament to hard work and talents that dominate Afrobeats and gospel music industry in Nigeria.
