South African musicians Tyla, Tyler ICU, and Makhadzi are leading the nominations for the prestigious Trace Awards & Summit 2025. The event, one of Africa’s most anticipated music ceremonies, will take place in Zanzibar on February 26.
According to IOL, the Trace Awards aim to celebrate the rich musical diversity across the continent, uniting artists from Africa and its diaspora. A statement explained, “Africa is home to many musical styles that profoundly influence contemporary sounds worldwide.” The awards highlight genres like Afrobeat, hip-hop, amapiano, dancehall, gospel, and many more.
Artists from over 30 countries across Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe will compete in 24 categories. Voting for the awards opens on January 2 and closes on February 15, with public votes making up 50% of the final decision and the other half determined by an expert jury.
In the Song of the Year category, Tyla’s hit track “Jump” will go up against Tyler ICU’s “Mnike” and Titom & Yuppe’s viral hit “Tshwala Bam.” For Album of the Year, top contenders include Burna Boy’s “I Told Them,” Asake’s “Lungu Boy,” and Stonebwoy’s “5th Dimension.”
South African stars also dominate the Best DJ category, with Tyler ICU, Uncle Waffles, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small all nominated. Tyla will face tough competition for Best Female Artist, with Makhadzi, Ayra Starr, Tems, and Yemi Alade also in the running. Meanwhile, Best Male Artist nominations include Dlala Thukzin, Diamond Platnumz, Asake, Burna Boy, and Rema.
The Trace Awards & Summit continues to showcase Africa’s musical talent on a global stage, and this year’s nominations are set to spark excitement across the continent.
