The Trace Awards 2023, a spectacular event held at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda on October 21, 2023. This marked a momentous celebration of the vibrant world of African and Afro-inspired music and the incredibly talented artists behind it. Showcasing the rich diversity of Afro-centric music, it brought together over 150 nominees from various genres like Afrobeat, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa,Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, R&B, and Rumba.
The Trace Awards 2023 ceremony was a grand affair, hosted by Nigerian music icon D’Banj and the globally acclaimed Angolan supermodel Maria Borges. The evening was filled with electrifying performances from Davido, Kizz Daniel, Yemi Alade and more.
Among the impressive lineup of nominees this year were household names such as Burna Boy, Davido, and Yemi Alade.
Well, If you missed the live broadcast, we’ve got the list of the first ever winners from the Trace Awards for you.
- Best Male Artist – Davido (Nigeria)
- Best Artist Lusophone Africa – Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
- Changemaker Trace Award – Mr Eazi (Nigeria)
- Best Live – Fally Ipupa (DRC)
- Lifetime Achievement Award – 2Baba (Nigeria)
- Album of the Year – “Love Damini” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Best Female Artist – Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
- Best Male Artist – Davido (Nigeria)
- Best Dancer – Robot Boii (South Africa)
- Best Artist Lusophone Africa – Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
- Changemaker Trace Award – Mr Eazi (Nigeria)
- Best Live – Fally Ipupa (DRC)
- Lifetime Achievement Award – 2Baba (Nigeria)
- Album of the Year – “Love Damini” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Best Female Artist – Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
- Best Male Artist – Davido (Nigeria)Best Gospel Artist – KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
- Best Global African Artist – Rema
- Best Newcomer – Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)
- Best Collaboration – “Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)
- Best Artist The Caribbean – Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti)
- Best Artist Anglophone Africa – Asake (Nigeria)
- Best Artist France & Belgium – Tayc (France)
- Best Producer – Tam Sir (Ivory Coast)
- Best Artist North Africa – Dystinct (Morocco)
- Best Artist UK – Central Cee
- Best Artist Indian Ocean – Goulam (Comoros)
- Best Artist Francophone Africa – Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Best DJ – Michael Brun (Haiti)
