2023 Trace Awards Celebrate Africa’s Brightest Music Stars
The biggest night in African music has arrived – the 2023 Trace Awards were held in Kigali, Rwanda on October 21st, honoring the past year’s top artists and songs from across the continent and diaspora.
Nigerian Afropop sensation Burna Boy took home the night’s biggest award, Album of the Year, for his 2022 hit album ‘Love Damini.’ He beat out fellow Nigerian superstars Wizkid, Davido, Asake and others in a stacked category.
But Nigeria’s Rema would claim victory in the prestigious Song of the Year category for his addictive summer jam “Calm Down.” The upbeat track enchanted listeners across Africa and globally on its way to becoming one of the year’s definitive anthems.
David Orobosa Omoregie, better known as Davido, was named Best Male for his string of chart-topping hits and energetic live performances that cemented his status as one of Afropop’s reigning kings.
Meanwhile, Senegalese vocal powerhouse Viviane Chidid took Best Female for her latest album ‘Lovemoi,’ which contained the feminist empowerment anthem “Ca VA Aller.”
South African sensation Robot Boii was crowned Best Dancer for showcasing his sensational moves in music videos and concerts that dominated social media all year long.
The Best Music Video award went to Nigerian pop diva Yemi Alade for her fashionable visuals on “Baddie,” which highlighted local street culture through eye-catching costumes and choreography.
But the night certainly wasn’t just about Nigerian artists. Talent from all corners of the continent took home awards for their brilliant work.
Ivorian singer Roseline Layo earned Best Newcomer honors, while Michael Brun from Haiti won Best DJ for his seamless global bass mixes and sets. Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo took Best Live Act for his energetic stage presence and crowd-thrilling vocals.
The Trace Awards remind the world that Africa is home to incredibly gifted, diverse voices deserving of global recognition. Music fans worldwide should tune in to discover their next favorite African artist. The future of music is undoubtedly coming from this creative, vibrant continent.
Full List of 2023 Trace Award Winners:
- Album of the Year: Love Damini by Burna Boy
- Song of the Year: “Calm Down” by Rema
- Best Male: Davido
- Best Female: Viviane Chidid
- Best Collaboration: “Unavailable” by Davido & Musa Keys
- Best Newcomer: Roseline Layo
- Best DJ: Michael Brun
- Best Producer: Tam Sir
- Best Gospel Artist: KS Bloom
- Best Live Act: Fally Ipupa
- Best Dancer: Robot Boii
- Best Music Video: “Baddie” by Yemi Alade
- Best Artist Africa – Anglophone: Asake
- Best Artist Africa – Francophone: Didi B
- Best Artist Africa – Lusophone: Lisandro Cuxi
- Best Artist – Rwanda: Bruce Melodie
- Best Artist – East Africa: Diamond Platnumz
- Best Artist – France & Belgium: Tayc
- Best Artist – UK: Central Cee
- Best Artist – The Caribbean: Rutshelle Guillaume
- Best Artist – Indian Ocean: Goulam
- Best Artist – Brazil: Ludmilla
- Best Artist – North Africa: Dystinct
