The first ever Trace Awards to be held in Africa is inching closer to fruition day-by-day as Global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker Trace continues to tick the T’s and dot the I’s.
In their latest official statement, divulging some more juicy details about the forthcoming Trace Awards to be held on 21st October 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, the music powerhouse has revealed part of the star-studded line-up of music celebrities expected to set the stage on fire at the BK Arena.
In a bid to showcase the excellence and diversity in about 20 of the most popular genres of “Afro-centric music, African and Afro-inspired musicians from around the globe are set to perform at the spectacular live event.” said Trace
This Awards ceremony features artists from over 30 countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe who will be competing in the 22 categories carefully selected to encompass the unique aspects of Afro-centric music, and strengths of the diverse range of artists who bring it to life through their lyrical prowess, stylistic devices, and mesmerising melodies.
“Seven thousand music fans will have the opportunity to experience the live event, which will be presented on a purpose-built stage.” Trace highlighted
Here are the names of some of the platinum-selling artists who’s tunes and stage presence will reverberate good vibes all over your mind, body, and soul throughout the night;
Nigerian artist Davido who this year released an album titled “Timeless” which features the club-banger “Unavailable”; his fellow Nigerian, Asake who blew up on the global arena last year after releasing various hits such as his collaboration with Fireboy DML on “Bandana”, he was also ranked Spotify’s Most Listened To African Male Artist in 2022; the sensational Guyanese dancehall artist Bamby from French Guiana, who boasts of several hits including “This Bwoy” and “Fo Ba Mo Le”;
Photo credit: Baby’s “Haffi Buss” Music Video
renowned gospel artist Benjamin Dube from South Africa who’s been famous since the 80s and who’s albums have reached gold and platinum status in South African music rankings; Ghana’s Black Sherif will get you hooked on his flow as he sings and raps his heart out, the Ghanaian singer and rapper initially rose to fame with his critical hit “First Sermon,” released in 2021 followed soon after by “Second Sermon”; another rapper, Blxckie from South Africa who’s debut studio album B4Now (2021) was certified gold in South Africa, will keep the deep lyrics coming your way; watch out for East Africa’s fan favorite, Bruce Melodie from Rwanda, who’s known to melt the hearts of damsels, broads, and the officially taken alike; Bwiza from Rwanda who’s the face of highly acclaimed music record label Kikas Records, is set to amuse audiences with her angelic voice, fair chocolate skin tone, and runway modelling height; her East African female counterpart, gospel artist Janet Otieno from Kenya will prove that ‘bodacious babes’ also sing and dance for the Gospel; Didi B from Ivory Coast will keep the memorable punchlines flowing with his songs across the genres of Hip-Hop, Afrotrap and Rap;
Photo Credit: Cover art of Dystinct’s recent “Layali Tour”
expect to experience first hand Afro-Swing also referred to as Afro-Arab when Netherlands based Moroccan, Dystinct picks up the mic;
the lovely Josey of Ivory Coast who’s inspirational journey in music is reflected in her passionate singing will also represent Francophone Africa with her smooth French lyrics and seductive movements; other artists confirmed to perform so far include Kizz Daniel (Nigeria), Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde), Locko (Cameroon), Mikl (Reunion), Perola (Angola), Plutonium (Mozambique), Princess Lover (Martinique), Ronisia (France), Rutshelle Guillaume (Haïti), Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde), Tayc (France), Terrell Elymoor (Mayotte) and Viviane Chidid (Senegal).
Photo credit: Viviane Chidid on X
Those are just but a fraction of all artists expected to wow you on 21 October 2023 live in the BK Arena, live broadcast on Trace TV channels, radio and digital channels and on global streaming platforms, national terrestrial TV and satellite channels.
“Many more performers will be announced at a later date.” Trace said, “The viewership and social interaction is expected to exceed 500 million fans in 190 countries” added Trace.
Voting is open to all through https://trace.plus/awards , those who wish to attend the event in Kigali, Rwanda are welcome to book their tickets on https://bkarena.rw/trace-awards-preregistration/ .
Be in the know about the first ever Trace Awards to be held in Africa by checking out Trace social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or TikTok. To join the conversation about the awards please use any or all of the following hashtags; #TraceAwardsRwanda2023 #TraceAwardsandFestival #TraceAwardsTour