Afrobeats Stars Lead Nominations for 2023 Trace Awards

The crème de la crème of Afrobeats are in the spotlight as Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage, among other top music luminaries, secure nominations for the prestigious 2023 Trace Awards. The much-anticipated event, marking its debut, is set to take place at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 21, 2023.

Trace, a renowned music media company, unveiled the nominees for the inaugural Trace Awards during a recent announcement. The event promises to be a live extravaganza celebrating the remarkable creativity, talent, and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and culture. With a global television broadcast, the ceremony is expected to reach an audience of approximately 500 million viewers across 190 countries.

The nominations encompass an array of music industry players, including artists, music producers, DJs, writers, composers, directors, and record labels. Leading the pack are West African musicians, notably Nigerian stars, who dominate the Afrobeats landscape with over 40 nominations. Heavyweights like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Davido, WizKid, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Fireboy DML, and Rema secure multiple nominations in various categories.

In particular, Davido and Burna Boy stand out with four nominations each across categories such as ‘Best Male,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Best Live,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ ‘Best Artist,’ and ‘Album of the Year.’ These artists were closely trailed by Asake, WizKid, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Yemi Alade, and Fireboy DML, who garnered three nominations each. Additionally, Rema and Kizz Daniel earned two nominations each, rounding out the diverse range of nominees.

Noteworthy Nigerians featured on the nominee list include Odumodublvck, Oxlade, The Compozers, Moses Bliss, DJ Spinall, Olamide, BNXN, Show Dem Camp, and Nissi.

Olivier Laouchez, Trace’s chairman and co-founder, highlighted the significance of the Trace Awards’ nominations. He commended the achievements and excellence of over 150 performers, producers, DJs, writers, composers, directors, established artists, rising stars, and their management and labels. Laouchez emphasized the experience the awards would offer to lovers of African and Afro-inspired music.

With 22 award categories and platinum-selling artists hailing from more than 30 countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe, the Trace Awards promise a remarkable showcase of the diverse music landscape. The winners will receive a trophy designed by acclaimed Congolese sculptor and designer Dora Prevost.

In addition to celebrating musicians on the continent, the awards recognize the rich musical tapestry of the African diaspora, represented by acclaimed nominees from France, Brazil, the UK, the Caribbean, and the Indian Ocean. Among these nominees are Stormzy (UK), Aya Nakamura (France), Leo Santana (Brazil), and Shenseea (Jamaica), to name a few.

The Trace Awards nominations mark a dynamic moment in the music industry, underscoring the immense impact and influence of African and Afro-inspired music on a global scale.