In a spectacular night of musical glory, Rema and Davido emerged as the shining stars at the inaugural Trace Awards 2023, held in the enchanting city of Kigali, Rwanda, on the eve of October 21, 2023.
This groundbreaking awards ceremony was meticulously crafted to be a jubilant celebration of African and Afro-inspired musical genius, paying homage to the astounding creativity and profound influence these remarkable artists wield.
Rema, the magnetic Nigerian sensation, triumphed as he clinched the coveted ‘Song of the Year’ accolade, recognising his chart-topping anthem, ‘Calm Down.’ The crowd’s roars of approval echoed his undeniable prowess and undeniable connection with music lovers across the continent.
The ‘Best Global African Artiste’ category, fittingly, saw a harmonious tie between two musical powerhouses—Nigeria’s very own Davido and the enchanting Nomcebo. Their shared victory stands as a testament to the global resonance and cross-cultural allure of their musical offerings.
Davido, a force to be reckoned with, proved his dominance by notching not one but two illustrious titles. His magnetic charisma and musical brilliance earned him the ‘Best Male’ award, positioning him at the forefront of African male artists. Furthermore, his groundbreaking collaborations catapulted him to ‘Best Collaboration,’ a testament to his ability to unite artists from various backgrounds in melodious harmony.
Not to be overshadowed, the incomparable Burna Boy solidified his musical legacy by seizing the coveted ‘Album of the Year’ honour. This distinction reaffirms his status as a musical juggernaut and a custodian of Afro-inspired artistry.
The grandiose evening was impeccably hosted by none other than the charismatic Nigerian crooner, D’Banj, and the ethereal Angolan supermodel, Maria Borges. Their magnetic stage presence and charm captivated the audience, making the Trace Awards a night to remember in the annals of African music history.
Check out the full list of winners at the Trace Awards 2023, held today, Saturday, October 21, 2023.
Best Collaboration
“Mine” – Show Dem Camp (Nigeria) with Oxlade (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Second Sermon” – Black Sherif (Ghana) with Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa) with Young Stunna (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa)
“Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa) – WINNER
“Stamina” – Tiwa Savage with Ayra Star(Nigeria) & Young Jonn (Nigeria)
“Trumpet”: Olamide (Nigeria) with Ckay (Nigeria)
Best DJ
Danni Gato (Cape Verde)
DJ BDK (Ivory Coast)
DJ Illans (France)
DJ Spinall (Nigeria)
Michael Brun (Haiti) – WINNER
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)
Best Producer
DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
Juls (Ghana)
Kabza de Small (South Africa)
Kel-P (Nigeria)
Tam Sir (Ivory Coast) – WINNER
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Best Gospel Artist
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Janet Otieno (Kenya)
KS Bloom (Ivory Coast) – WINNER
Levixone (Uganda)
Moses Bliss (Nigeria)
Best Live
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Fally Ipupa (DRC) – WINNER
Musa Keys (South Africa)
The Compozers (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Dancer
Robot Boii (South Africa) – WINNER
Tayc (France)
Uganda Ghetto Kids (Uganda)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Best Artist Africa – Anglophone
Asake (Nigeria) – WINNER
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Fireboy DML (Nigeria)
Best Artist – UK
Headie One (UK)
Ms Banks (UK)
Stormzy (UK)
Raye (UK)
Central Cee – WINNER
Best Artist Caribbean
Admiral T (Guadeloupe)
Bamby (French Guiana)
Kalash (Martinique)
Maureen (Martinique)
Popcaan (Jamaica)
Princess Lover (Martinique)
Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti) – WINNER
Shenseea (Jamaica)
Best Artist – Indian Ocean
Donovan BTS (Mauritius)
GaEi (Madagascar)
Goulam (Comoros) – WIINNER
Mikl (Reunion)
Sega el (Reunion)
Terell Elymoor (Mayotte)
Best Artist – Brazil
Djonga (Brazil)
Iza (Brazil)
Leo Santana (Brazil)
Ludmilla (Brazil)
Luedji Luna (Brazil)
Best Artist North Africa
Amira Zouhair (Morocco)
Artmasta (Tunisia)
Dystinct (Morocco) – WINNER
El Grande Toto (Morocco)
Kader Japonais (Algeria)
Raja Meziane (Algeria)
“DNK”- Aya Nakamura (France)
Best Artist -France & Belgium
Aya Nakamura (France)
Booba (France)
Nihno (France)
Tayc (France) – WINNER
Ronisia (France)
Soolking (France)
Best Music Video
“2 Sugar” Wizkid (Nigeria) feat. Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
“Baddie” Yemi Alade (Nigeria) – WINNER
“Kpaflotage” – Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)
“Loaded” – Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) & Asake (Nigeria)
“Ronda” Blxckie (South Africa)
“Tombolo” – Kalash (Martinique)
Yatapita” – Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Best Global Africa Artist ( By Voting) – Rema WINNER
Best Gospel Artist
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Janet Otieno (Kenya)
KS Bloom (Ivory Coast) – WINNER
Levixone (Uganda)
Moses Bliss (Nigeria)
