Nigerian music icons Rema, Mercy Chinwo, Ayra Starr, and D’banj emerged as top winners at the 2025 Trace Awards, held on Wednesday night at Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Rema took home two major awards, securing “Album of the Year” for his hit project Heis and clinching the title of “Best Male Artist.” Gospel sensation Mercy Chinwo was honored as the “Best Gospel Artist,” while Grammy-nominated Ayra Starr claimed the “Best West African Artist” award.
Afrobeats legend D’banj received the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of his impact on Africa’s music industry. Other Nigerian winners included producer P.Priime, who won “Best Producer” for MMS, and Meji Alabi, awarded “Best Music Video” for directing Rema’s DND.
Now in its second edition, the Trace Awards celebrate Africa’s top artists and the cultural stories that shape their artistry. Established in 2023 by Trace Group, the event marks the 20th anniversary of the French pay-TV music channel, Trace TV.
The ceremony featured electrifying performances from African and Afro-origin artists worldwide and was broadcast live across over 180 countries via Trace TV and Trace Africa. The inaugural edition took place in 2023 at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.
NAN
