Discover the Trace Awards 2025 in Zanzibar

The Trace Awards & Summit 2025, the most prestigious musical event on the African continent, is set to electrify Zanzibar. The Trace Awards ceremony, taking place on the 26th February 2025, will bring together the continent’s and diaspora’s greatest talents. Trace invites fans worldwide to actively participate by voting for their favourite artists.

Voting officially opens on the 2nd January 2025 ➡ www.traceawards.plus.

Music fans, it’s your time to act! Your vote accounts for 50% of the final decision and can make the difference in choosing the winners. The other half results from the votes of an expert jury.

A Celebration of African Musical Diversity

Africa is home to many musical styles that profoundly influence contemporary sounds worldwide.

The Trace Awards highlight the richness and excellence of Afro music through genres such as Afrobeat, dancehall, hip-hop, Afro-pop, mbalax, amapiano, zouk, kizomba, genge, coupé-décalé, bongo flava, soukous, gospel, rap, raï, kompa, RnB, and rumba. Artists from over 30 countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe are competing in 24 categories.

Why Vote?

The Trace Awards are more than just an event; they are a platform dedicated to recognising artists who shape the future of African and international music. By voting, fans have the opportunity to amplify the voices of their favorite artists both on the continent and internationally and support works that reflect their identity and cultural pride.

Voting closes on 15th February 2025. (Voting is free, accessible to all, and fully compliant with RGPD regulations)

TRACE AWARDS 2025 NOMINEES

GLOBAL AWARDS 

Song of the Year
Tyla – Jump (South Africa)
Tyler ICU – Mnike (South Africa)
Titom & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam (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 
Burna Boy – I Told Them (Nigeria)
Asake – Lungu Boy (Nigeria)
Rema – Heis (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
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)
Tamsir & Team Paiya – Coup du Marteau (Ivory Coast)

Best Music Video
Meji Alabi for Rema “DND” (Nigeria)
TG Omori for Kizz Daniel & Davido “Twe Twe” (Nigeria)
Director Folex for Zuchu feat Innoss’ B “Nani” (Remix) (Tanzania/DRC)
Nabil Elderkin for Tyla “Jump” (South Africa)
Kmane for Ayra Starr “Commas” (Nigeria)
Seoute Emmanuel for Toofan “C Pas Normal” (Togo)
Ach’B for Innoss’ B “Sete” (DRC)
Edgar Esteves for Asake & Wizkid “MMS” (Nigeria).

Best Dancer
Ikorodu Boys (Nigeria)
Dancegod Lloyd (Ghana)
Incredible Zigi (Ghana)
Kamo Mphela (South Africa)
Telminho (Angola)
Makhadzi (South Africa)
Ordinateur (Ivory Coast)
Issac Kalonji (Democratic Republic of Congo).Best DJ
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 Moh Green – Kelele (Algeria)
DJ Maphorisa – Mnike (South Africa)
Kabza De Small – Imithandazo (South Africa)

Best Hip-Hop Artist (sponsored by Hot 97)
Nasty C (South Africa), Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria), Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Young Lunya (Tanzania)
Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)

PAN-AFRICAN AWARDS 

Best Global African Artist
Tyla (South Africa)
Tyler ICU (South Africa)
Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Asake (Nigeria/USA)
Rema (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)Best Male Artist
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Asake (Nigeria)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Rema (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 Newcomer (sponsored by Johnnie Walker)
Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)
Himra (Ivory Coast)
Sabrina (Cameroon)
Mia Guissé (Senegal)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Qing Madi (Nigeria)
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)

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
Kelvin Momo – Sewe (South Africa)
P.Priime – MMS (Nigeria)
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
Spirit of Praise 10 (South Africa)
KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
Bella Kombo (Tanzania)
Israël Mbonyi (Rwanda)REGIONAL AWARDS

Best Artist Eastern Africa 
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Bien (Kenya)
Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
Harmonize (Tanzania)
Rophnan (Ethiopia)
Marioo (Tanzania)
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Nandy (Tanzania)

Best Artist – Western Africa Anglophone
Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Chike (Nigeria)
Simi (Nigeria)
KiDi (Ghana)

Best Artist – Southern Africa
Titom & Yuppe (South Africa)
De Mthuda (South Africa)
Inkabi Zezwe (South Africa)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Tyler ICU (South Africa)

Best Artist Francophone Africa
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Tidiane Mario (Congo)
Gaz Mawete (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Wally B. Seck (Senegal)
PhillBill (Cameroon)

Best Artist Lusophone Africa
Calema (São Tomé and Príncipe)
Landrick (Angola)
Chelsea Dinorath (Angola)
Twenty Fingers (Mozambique)
Mr. Bow (Mozambique)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)

Best Artist – Tanzania
Mbosso (Zanzibar)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Zuchu (Zanzibar)
Marioo (Tanzania)
Nandy (Tanzania)
Alikiba (Tanzania)
Jux (Tanzania)
Harmonize (Tanzania)

INTERNATIONAL AND DIASPORA AWARDS 

Best Artist – Europe
Central Cee (United Kingdom)
Kalash (France/Martinique)
Darkoo (United Kingdom)
Joe Dwet File (France/Haiti)
Jungeli (France)
Franglish (France)
Aya Nakamura (France/Mali)

Best Artist – Brazil
Racionais MC’s (Brazil)
MC IG (Brazil)
Péricles (Brazil)
Tasha & Tracie (Brazil)
Ludmilla (Brazil)
Duquesa (Brazil)

Best Artist – Caribbean
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)

To join in the conversation about the Trace Awards & Summit, use the hashtags: #TraceAwardsZanzibar and #TraceSummitZanzibar.

Follow Trace on Facebook and Instagram @traceawards, YouTube @TraceMusicOfficiel.
 
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Top Upcoming Concerts at SunBet Arena in 2025

Living up to its reputation as the premier Gauteng entertainment venue, the SunBet Arena at Time Square will host 11 international artists between January and March 2025.

The world-class venue is a destination of fun, and with myriad restaurant options from fast food to bistro, pub and fine dining, visitors can curate a full evening of fun. There’s even the option to stay over at The Maslow, Time Square to avoid having to travel home.

JANUARY 2025

100% Retro: The Party 2025 – Friday, 10 January 2025

100% RETRO | THE PARTY: Everything You Need To Know

Rid yourself of the back-to-work blues and come jive, groove and throwback at the 100% Retro: The Party, a music concert with an international line-up at Time Square on Friday, 10 January 2025.

Backed by its success in 2024, this concert is for 80s and 90s dance lovers to reminisce on memories from this sublime musical era, with hits by world-famous “‎I’m Too Sexy for My Shirt”, Right Said Fred. 

Performing live on stage will be legends including Right Said Fred, Tina Cousins, 2 Brothers on the 4th Floor, Whigfield, DJ Sammy and DJ SASH.

EVENT DETAILS

DATE:Friday, 10 January 2025
TIME:Show starts at 19h00
COST:Tickets start from R615 per person and can be purchased via iTickets
VENUE:SunBet Arena, Time SquareMenlyn Maine, Aramist Avenue 209, Menlyn, Pretoria

Tyla – Saturday, 18 January 2025

Grammy-winning South African superstar Tyla’s December tour of her home country proved to be the hottest show at Time Square this month, that she grabbed the chance to perform again as soon as Saturday, 18 January 2025.

Tyla was thrilled with the response from fellow South Africans and said: Everything that’s happening has surpassed anything I could have dreamt of. African music is going global, and I’m so blessed to be one of the artists pushing the culture. I’ve been working on my sound for two years now, and I’m so ready for the world to hear it.”

Tyla is best known for her mega-hit Water, which won her the inaugural Best African Music Performance award at the Grammys, and has lit up charts all around the work, including in the important US market, where it reached #7 on the Billboard US Hot 100, and #1 on the Billboard Afrobeats Chart, Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay Chart, Hot R&B Songs Chart and Adult R&B Airplay Charts. Water is the first solo song in history to spend an entire year at #1 on the Billboard US Afrobeats song charts for 52 weeks.

NME calls Tyla, “South Africa’s brightest new star.” Rolling Stone has christened her “The perfect Amapiano ambassador.” Pitchfork’s review of her album states: “The South African singer’s star-making debut is a lithe, contemporary take on pop-R&B that pulses with the log-drum heartbeat of Amapiano.” 

EVENT DETAILS

DATE:Saturday, 18 January 2025
TIME:Show starts at 20h00
COST:Tickets start from R500 per person and can be purchased via Ticketmaster
VENUE:SunBet Arena, Time SquareMenlyn Maine, Aramist Avenue 209, Menlyn, Pretoria
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Explore Festive Events on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast

With the KZN South Coast boasting the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, plus dive sites, tidal pools, nature reserves, hinterland tours, extreme adventures, shops, restaurants and more… there is so much to keep holidaymakers busy. This summer season, there’s even more on offer with lots of holiday events planned on the KZN South Coast, from Christmas markets to the popular Love Summer beach programme.

“Now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast as we have everything a family needs to make the most out of this festive season,” commented CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. “Many of our local tourism establishments host exciting events during this time and families will be kept engaged at the beach with our annual Love Summer programme with free activities and fun prize giveaways for all ages. We are doing all we can to ensure our visitors embrace summer!”

KZN South Coast Festive Season Events

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Join the Motherland Festival at Cradle Boutique Hotel

Empire proudly presents the Motherland Festival, an extraordinary celebration of South African music and culture, set to take place at the Cradle Boutique Hotel on 30 November 2024. Nestled in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, this festival honours the deep historical, cultural and natural significance of Africa – the birthplace of humankind.

The Cradle Boutique Hotel, located within the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, offers a unique and sacred setting for this one-of-a-kind event.

The Motherland Festival reflects the soul of Africa—where past and future meet. African rhythms blend with futuristic melodies in an immersive all-day celebration, featuring a star-studded line-up of South Africa’s finest talent. Guests will be moved by the music, dance and vibrant community, all set against the breath-taking landscape of one of the world’s most profound historical sites.

The Motherland Festival reflects the soul of Africa—where past and future meet. African rhythms blend with futuristic melodies in an immersive all-day celebration, featuring a star-studded line-up of South Africa’s finest musical talent:

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Discover Johannesburg’s OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Lounge

Nestled in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile, a game-changing nightlife destination has arrived: welcome to OKIO and the Bellucci Luxury Lounge.

This meticulously designed venue invites you to indulge your senses and elevate your evenings into a world of unparalleled luxury and energy. Offering two distinct and elegant spaces, OKIO Nightclub and Bellucci Luxury Lounge, this destination stands out for its unique ambiance and attention to detail.

OKIO Nightclub

From the moment you step into OKIO (pronounced Awk-Key-Oh), the modern luxury nightclub and event venue, you will be mesmerized by its striking design—an artistic fusion of rich colours and textures. With opulent lounge areas featuring lavishly upholstered furniture, soaring ceilings, and grand bespoke chandeliers, OKIO is set to become the premier playground for Johannesburg’s elite, celebrities, and trendsetters.
 
This luxurious nightclub offers private seating, a stunning marble bar, intimate champagne lounges, and VIP suites with personalized bottle service. The state-of-the-art sound and lighting system creates an electrifying atmosphere, perfect for high-profile DJs and world-class entertainment, with both local and international acts lighting up the decks.


 

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