Nigerian stars, including Rema, Mercy Chinwo, D’banj, and Ayra Starr, dominated the 2025 Trace Awards, taking home multiple honors.
Rema was one of the biggest winners of the night, claiming two prestigious awards: ‘Album of the Year’ for Heis and ‘Best Male Artist’.
Ayra Starr earned the title of ‘Best West African Artist’, while Mercy Chinwo was celebrated as the ‘Best Gospel Artist’ for her inspiring and soulful music. D’banj was awarded the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his profound impact on the music industry.
Other Nigerian honorees included P.Priime, who won ‘Best Producer’ for his work on MMS, and Meji Alabi, who took home ‘Best Music Video’ for directing Rema’s DND.
The awards ceremony was held on February 26, 2025, at the stunning Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Complete List of Nominees and Winners:
Global Awards
- Song of the Year
Winner: Titom & Yuppe – ‘Tshwala Bam’ (South Africa) - Album of the Year
Winner: Rema – Heis (Nigeria) - Best Collaboration
Winner: Tamsir & Team Paiya – ‘Coup du Marteau’ (Ivory Coast) - Best Music Video
Winner: Meji Alabi – Rema ‘DND’ (Nigeria) - Best Dancer
Winner: Makhadzi (South Africa) - Best DJ
Winner: DJ Moh Green – ‘Kelele’ (Algeria) - Best Hip Hop Artist
Winner: Didi B (Ivory Coast) - Best Global African Artist
Winner: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) - Best Male Artist
Winner: Rema (Nigeria) - Best Female Artist
Winner: Tyla (South Africa) - Best Live Performance
Winner: Fally Ipupa (DRC) - Best Producer
Winner: P.Priime – MMS (Nigeria) - Best Gospel Artist
Winner: Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
Regional Awards
- Best Artist Eastern Africa
Winner: Bien (Kenya) - Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone)
Winner: Ayra Starr (Nigeria) - Best Artist (Southern Africa)
Winner: Tyler ICU (South Africa) - Best Artist Francophone Africa
Winner: Josey (Ivory Coast) - Best Artist (Lusophone Africa)
Winner: Chelsea Dinorath (Angola) - Best Artist (Tanzania)
Winner: Nandy (Tanzania)
International and Diaspora Awards
- Best Artist (Europe)
Winner: Joe Dwet File (France/Haiti) - Best Artist (Brazil)
Winner: Duquesa (Brazil) - Best Artist (Caribbean)
Winner: Lea Churro (Reunion Island) - Best Artist (Indian Ocean)
Winner: Barth (Reunion)
Lifetime Achievement Award
Recipient: D’banj