The Trace Awards, initiated by the renowned global TV and multimedia platform, Trace, held its first award ceremony which took place on October 21, 2023, at Kigali’s BK Arena. It was established to shine a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of African and Afro-influenced musicians both within Africa and across the African diasporas. 

The ceremony, co-hosted by Nigerian music icon D’Banj and Angolan supermodel Maria Borges, featured amazing performances by 50 artists, including industry staples like Davido, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, and Diamond Platnumz.

 

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Rema and Davido were top winners, each with two awards. Rema won the awards for song of the year for his global hit “Calm Down” and best global African artist. 

 

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Asake won the award for best Anglophone artist and Burna Boy’s Love, Damini won the award for album of the year.

Here’s the full list of winners from the 2023 Trace Awards:

Album of the Year 

Love Damini – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

Best Female Artist 

Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

Best Male Artist 

Davido (Nigeria)

Best Music Video

“Baddie” Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

Best Collaboration 

“Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)

Best Artist Anglophone Africa 

Asake (Nigeria)

Best Global African Artist 

Rema

Song of the Year

“Calm Down” – Rema (Nigeria)

Best Newcomer 

Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)

Best Artist France & Belgium 

Tayc (France)

Best Producer 

Tam Sir (Ivory Coast)

Best Artist North Africa 

Dystinct (Morocco)

Best Artist UK 

Central Cee

Best Artist Indian Ocean 

Goulam (Comoros)

Best Artist Francophone Africa 

Didi B (Ivory Coast)

Best DJ 

Michael Brun (Haiti) 

Best Gospel Artist 

KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)

Best Artist The Caribbean 

Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti) 

Best Dancer 

Robot Boii (South Africa) 

Best Artist Lusophone Africa 

Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)

Changemaker Trace Award 

Mr Eazi (Nigeria)

Best Live 

Fally Ipupa (DRC)

Lifetime Achievement Award 

2Baba (Nigeria)