Trace Africa has staged its debut Trace Awards to mark the music television powerhouse’s 20th anniversary, and celebrate the creativity, talent and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists.
Nigerian superstars, 2Baba, Davido, Rema and Burna Boy, won the biggest prize of the night.
Davido took home the prizes for Best Male, and shared Best Collaboration with South Africa’s Musa Keys for ‘Unavailable’.
Rema scored in the Global African Artist, and Song of the Year categories, with ‘Calm Down.’ ‘Love Damini’ by Burna Boy scored the prize for Best Album and Vivian Chidid received the plaudits for Best Female.
Recognising his long and storied music career, Nigeria’s 2Baba took home the Lifetime Achievement prize.
Other categories include the Best Artist – East Africa won by Diamond Platnumz, while Rwandan local hero Bruce Melodie triumphed in the Best Rwandan Artist category.
Didi B took home the silverware for Ivory Coast as Best Artist Africa – Francophone, while his fellow countrymen KS Bloom and Tam Sir scored in the Best Gospel Artist, and Best Producer categories, respectively. Lisandro Cuxi was named Best Artist Africa – Lusophone.
Chairman/co-founder, Trace, said, Olivier Laouchez;
“Tonight has been a triumphant demonstration of the power and creativity of African and African-origin artists. All the nominees and performers at the Trace Awards underlined exactly why African contemporary music has become a global phenomenon. We congratulate the nominees, winners and performers for their achievements and for demonstrating their talent, imagination and creativity to a global audience.”
The awards was hosted by Afrobeats legend D’Banj and Angolan supermodel Maria Borges.