The 2023 Trace Awards, a new awards franchise created by Trace, a global TV and multimedia platform, celebrated the outstanding achievements of African and Afro-influenced musicians from Africa and the African diasporas. The awards took place in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 21, 2023, and saw top artists Rema and Davido emerge as the top winners.
Rema secured two prestigious awards at the ceremony. His global smash hit, “Calm Down,” earned him the title of Song of the Year. Additionally, he shared the title of Best Global African Artist with Nomcebo, cementing his influence as an international sensation. Notably, the remix of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Davido, another powerhouse in the African music scene, also walked away with two awards. He claimed the titles of Best Male and Best Collaboration. The latter award was for his collaboration with Musa Keys on the track “Unavailable.”
Burna Boy, was also honored with the Album of the Year award for “Love Damini.” The Trace Awards showcased the best talents from Africa and the Afro-influenced music industry, bringing together approximately 50 artists from around the world. The event featured electrifying performances by artists like Davido, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, and Diamond Platnumz, making it a night to remember.
Apart from the competitive categories, the ceremony also recognized individuals and their contributions. Legendary artist 2Face was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award. Mr Eazi received the Change Maker award for his significant impact.
The 2023 Trace Awards featured various categories to celebrate the diversity of African music and the contributions of artists. A brief overview of the winners in specific categories is as follows:
Album of the Year
– Love Damini – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Song of the Year
– “Calm Down” – Rema (Nigeria)
Best Music Video
– “Baddie” – Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Male
– Davido (Nigeria)
Best Female
– Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
Best Collaboration
– “Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)
Best Newcomer
– Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)
Best DJ
– Michael Brun (Haiti)
Best Producer
– Tam Sir (Ivory Coast)
Best Gospel Artist
– KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
Best Live
– Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Best Dancer
– Robot Boii (South Africa)
Best Artist Africa – Anglophone
– Asake (Nigeria)
Best Artist Africa – Francophone
– Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Best Artist Africa – Lusophone
– Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
Best Artist – Rwanda
– Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Best Artist – East Africa
– Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Best Artist – France & Belgium
– Tayc (France)
Best Artist – UK
– Central Cee (UK)
Best Artist – The Caribbean
– Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti)
Best Artist – Indian Ocean
– Goulam (Comoros)
Best Artist – Brazil
– Ludmilla (Brazil)
Best Artist – North Africa
– Dystinct (Morocco)