Trace Awards 2023 Unveils Nominees Showcasing African and Afro-Inspired Music Excellence

Trace, the renowned global music powerhouse and tastemaker for Afro-music, has unveiled the nominees for the inaugural Trace Awards in Africa. This event, set to be a live spectacle broadcasted globally, seeks to honor and celebrate the incredible creativity, talent, and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists.

Scheduled to take place on October 21, 2023, at the esteemed BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, the Trace Awards & Festival is proudly presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell, promising a captivating and unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts.

The Trace Awards is set to be a gathering of top-tier artists representing the entire African continent, bridging gaps from North to South and East to West. With a diverse 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 event will showcase the richness and versatility of Afro-centric music.

The competition is fierce across 22 award categories, featuring platinum-selling artists hailing from over thirty countries across Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe. Algeria, Angola, Brazil, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Comoros, DRC, France, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Martinique, Mayotte, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tunisia, the UK, and Uganda are among the nations represented.

A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the prestigious Trace Awards Trophies, unique pieces of art envisioned by acclaimed Congolese sculptor and designer, Dora Prevost. These trophies will serve as a symbol of recognition and honor for the outstanding accomplishments of the winners.

Leading the pack of nominees are West African artists, particularly Nigerian music luminaries. Their remarkable presence underscores the global resonance of Nigerian Afrobeat, as they have received over 40 nominations collectively. Notable names such as Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Davido, WizKid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Fireboy DML, and Rema have secured multiple nominations, truly exemplifying their immense impact on the industry.

The Trace Awards 2023 is poised to be a celebration of the vibrant and diverse musical landscape of Africa and its diaspora, promising a grand showcase of talent, artistry, and culture that will captivate audiences worldwide.

Full List of Nominees Below: