Afro-Music Stars Shine Bright as Trace Awards 2023 Nominees Unveiled
The global stage is set for a spectacular celebration of Afro-Urban music and cultures as the nominees for the prestigious Trace Awards 2023 have been revealed. This inaugural event, organised by Trace, a multimedia and digital platform dedicated to Afro-centric music and artists, promises to honour remarkable contributions within the entertainment industry in Africa and the African Diaspora.
Scheduled to take place on October 21st, the Trace Awards & Festival will dazzle audiences from the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, an East African country acclaimed for it’s aesthetic sights both natural and man made. This thrilling event will showcase the vibrant Afro-centric music scene through a live music extravaganza and a global TV broadcast, immortalising the unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts worldwide.
The nominations cover a wide range of award categories, presenting a melting pot of African and Afro-inspired musical talent. Over 150 artists, including performers, producers, DJs, writers, and composers, hailing from more than thirty countries across Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe, have earned their place on the list.
The diversity of musical genres is a testament to the richness of Afro-centric music, encompassing Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba. The Trace Awards will provide a platform for these genres to shine and be celebrated on a global scale.
Among the standout nominees are the Nigerian artists who dominate the West African music scene. With over 40 nominations collectively, artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, WizKid, Tiwa Savage, and Yemi Alade have exemplified the global impact of Nigerian Afrobeat.
The significance of female artists in the industry is also highlighted through various categories. These categories celebrate female talent across the African continent and the Diaspora, acknowledging their influence and contributions to the music scene.
Francophone artists, representing French-speaking regions across the globe, have earned their place in the spotlight as well. These artists contribute to the diverse tapestry of Afro-centric music, showcasing the global appeal of the genre.
The nominations also extend to up-and-coming artists, who are recognised for their potential and unique contributions to the music industry. The Best Newcomer category, sponsored by Belaire, features Cameroonian artists Libianca and Krys M, among others, who are poised to make a mark on the Afro-music scene.
Voting for the Trace Awards begins on August 21, 2023, giving fans the opportunity to support their favourite artists and contribute to shaping the outcome of this exciting celebration of music and culture.
Olivier Laouchez, Chairman & Co-Founder of Trace, expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the extraordinary creativity and dynamism of African and African diaspora artists. He emphasised their significant cultural impact and the need for global recognition of their achievements.
“African and African diaspora artists are extraordinarily creative and dynamic. They represent a massive cultural force and deserve more global recognition and celebration. The Trace Awards’ nominations salute achievement and excellence from more than 150 performers, producers, DJs, writers, composers, directors, established artists and rising stars, and their management and labels. We congratulate all the nominees, most of whom will attend and perform in Kigali on 21 October. It will be an unmissable experience for lovers of African and Afro-inspired music.” said Olivier in the latest press release on Trace Awards 2023.
The awards ceremony and festival will not only recognise outstanding musical talent but also showcase the spirit of unity and collaboration that transcends borders and continents. With performances and appearances by artists from around the world, the Trace Awards promises to be an unmissable spectacle for music lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Rwandan creativity and excellence will shine brightly during the event, with the participation of partners such as the BK Arena, RwandAir, and RBA. These partnerships reflect the country’s commitment to showcasing its talent and hosting a remarkable celebration of music and culture.
The Trace Awards & Festival is set to captivate audiences and unite fans across the globe through the power of Afro-centric music and its ability to transcend boundaries. The event’s broadcast on Trace TV, radio, digital platforms, and global streaming services is expected to reach over 500 million viewers in 190 countries.
As the countdown to the Trace Awards begins, fans, artists, and music enthusiasts rightfully eagerly await a dazzling celebration of Afro-Urban music, culture, and the remarkable talents that continue to shape the industry.
For more information about the Trace Awards and the complete list of nominees, stay connected with Trace on social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. Join the conversation using hashtags such as #TraceAwardsRwanda2023, #TraceAwardsandFestival, and #TraceAwardsTour
Trace, launched in 2003, is the premier multimedia and digital platform dedicated to Afro-Urban music and cultures, as well as the achievements of young people and artists. With a mission to “Entertain and Empower Our People,” Trace reaches more than 350 million fans across 180 countries. Learn more at https://trace.company/.