The maiden edition of the Trace Awards took place on October 21, 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda as Nigerian artists went home winners.
The award ceremony, which was hosted by Nigerian music veteran D’Banj alongside Angolan global supermodel Maria Borges, celebrated the company’s 20th anniversary, showcasing the creativity, talent, and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists.
With a star-studded lineup of performers, including Davido, Yemi Alade, Black Sherif, Kizz Daniel and more, this year’s nominees included stars like Burna Boy, Rema, Davido, Mr Eazi, Blxckie, Libianca, and DJ Maphorisa, among others.
Davido who has enjoyed impressive success with his record breaking fourth album “Timeless” won the Best African Male. Rema won the Song of the Year for his hit single “Calm Down” while Burna Boy’s sixth album “Love, Damini” won the prize for the Album of the Year.
See full winners list below:
Album of the Year
‘Love Damini’ – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Song of the Year
‘Calm Down’ – Rema (Nigeria)
Best Music Video
‘Baddie’ – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Male
Davido (Nigeria)
Best Female
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
Best Collaboration
‘Unavailable’ – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)
Best Newcomer
Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)
Best DJ
Michael Brun (Haiti)
Best Producer
Tam Sir (Ivory Coast)
Best Gospel Artist
KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
Best Live
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Best Artist Africa – Anglophone
Asake (Nigeria)
Best Artist Africa – Francophone
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Best Artist Africa – Lusophone
Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
Best Artist – Rwanda
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Best Artist – East Africa
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Best Artist – France & Belgium
Tayc (France)
Best Artist – UK
Central Cee (UK)
Best Artist – The Caribbean’
Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti)
Best Artist – Indian Ocean
Goulam (Comoros)
Best Artist – Brazil
Ludmilla (Brazil)
Best Artist – North Africa
Dystinct (Morocco)
