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The inaugural Trace Music Awards and festivals brought music stars from across the globe to Kigali, Rwanda, on Sartuday October 21. Kenyan artists, including Nadia Mukami and Janet Otieno, showcased their talents during the event.
With over 50 global stars performing at the 10,000-capacity BK Arena, the ceremony celebrated music diversity and cultural fusion.
Nigerian stars Davido and Rema dominated the awards, each taking home two trophies. Nigeria's prominence in African music was evident, with Davido receiving the Best Male award and sharing the Best Collaboration prize with South Africa's Musa Keys for their song 'Unavailable.'
READ: Nadia Mukami, Janet Otieno shine at Trace Awards nominee tour
Rema was recognised as the Global African Artiste and secured the Song of the Year award for 'Calm Down.' Burna Boy's 'Love Damini' won Best Album, and Vivian Chidid was honoured as Best Female.
Diamond Platnumz wins big at Trace Awards
Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz showcased his talent, solidifying his title as the East Africa king by winning Best Artiste. Accompanied by his signee Zuchu, he delivered an impressive performance.
Bruce Melodie received the Best Rwandan Artiste award, becoming a local favorite. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast's Didi B won Best Artiste Africa - Francophone.
KS Bloom and Tam Sir from Ivory Coast also secured wins in the Best Gospel Artiste and Best Producer categories. Lisandro Cuxi was named Best Artist Africa - Lusophone.
Nigeria's 2Face was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award, acknowledging his extensive music career. The awards also celebrated the accomplishments of Mr. Eazi, who received the ChangeMarker award for his philanthropic efforts.
International recognition at the Trace Awards
Fronted by D'banj and Maria Borges, the Trace Awards showcased performances and collaborations from over 50 artists, blending various music genres and cultures.
READ: Nadia, Janet Otieno only 2 Kenyan artists nominated for TRACE Awards
The ceremony featured artists from various regions, including Central Cee from the UK, Tayc from France and Belgium, and Ludmilla from Brazil.
The artists who graced the stage included Benjamin Dube from South Africa, Blxckie and other South African artists, Bruce Melodie and Bwiza from Rwanda, Didi B from Ivory Coast, Dystinct from Morocco, Josey from Ivory Coast, Lisandro Cuxi from Cape Verde, and many more.
Trace Music Awards is a celebration of musical talent and creativity and highlights the power of African and African-origin artists on the global stage.
List of all winners at Trace Awards 2023
Album of the Year
Love Damini – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Song of the Year
Calm Down – Rema (Nigeria)
Best Artiste – East Africa
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Best Music Video
Baddie – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Male Artist
Davido (Nigeria)
Best Female Artist
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
Best Collaboration
Unavailable – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)
Best Newcomer
Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)
Best Artise – Rwanda
Bruce Melodie
Best DJ
Michael Brun (Haiti)
Best Live
Fally Ipupa (DRC)