Trace Awards 2025: Rema, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr lead nominations

The highly anticipated Trace Awards 2025 has unveiled its nominees, with Afrobeats sensations Rema, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr leading the pack.

The prestigious awards ceremony, set to take place on February 26, 2025, in Zanzibar, will bring together the continent's and diaspora's greatest talents.

Rema, the young superstar, has earned an impressive six nominations, including Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Music Video, Best Global African Artist, and Best Male Artist. His unique sound, captivating visuals, and chart-topping hits have earned him accolades worldwide, making him a favorite in this year's awards.

Burna Boy, the African Giant, has also secured six prestigious nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Live Performance, Best Collaboration, Best Male Artist, Song of the Year, and Best Global African Artist. Basically, his genre-defying sound, powerful lyrics, and stellar performances have cemented his status as one of the greatest African artists of his generation.

Meanwhile, Ayra Starr, the Afropop sensation, has made a remarkable impact with five nominations, including Best Female Artist, Best Global African Artist, Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone), Best Live Performance, and Best Music Video. Her wins showcase her versatility, artistry, and ability to captivate audiences around the world.

Also, other notable nominees include Asake, Diamond Platnumz, Stonebwoy, and Tems, who are all vying for top honors in various categories. The Trace Awards 2025 will also feature a special category for Best Collaboration, with standout tracks like Tshwala Bam (Remix) and Benin Boys competing for the top spot.

Additionally, voting for the Trace Awards 2025 is now open, with fans worldwide invited to participate by casting their votes on the official website. However, winners will be determined by a combination of fan votes and expert jury decisions.

Lastly, the Trace Awards 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of African music, with the continent's biggest stars gathering to honor outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry.

Here are the nominees and categories for the 2025 Trace Awards:

Here are the nominees and categories for the 2025 Trace Awards:

Song of the Year

• Asake & Travis Scott – Active
• Burna Boy – Higher
• Diamond Platnumz – Komasawa
• Rema & Shallipopi – Benin Boys
• Tamsir x Team Paiya – Coup du Marteau
• Tems – Love Me Jeje
• Titom & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam
• Tyler ICU – Mnike
• Tyla – Jump

Best Female Act

• Ayra Starr
• Chelsea Dinorath
• Josey
• Makhadzi
• Tems
• Tyla
• Yemi Alade

Best Collaboration

• Titom & Yuppe & Burna Boy – Tshwala Bam (Remix)
• Neyna & MC Acondize – Nu Ka Sta Para
• Kocee ft. Patoranking – Credit Alert
• Asake & Wizkid – MMS
• Rema & Shallipopi – Benin Boys
• Odumodublvck & Black Sherif – Woto Woto Seasoning
• Tamsir & Team Paiya – Coup du Marteau

Album of the Year

• Amaarae – Fountain Baby
• Asake – Lungu Boy
• Burna Boy – I Told Them
• Josey – Vibration Universelle
• King Promise – True To Self
• Rema – HEIS
• Stonebwoy – 5th Dimension
• Toofan – Stamina

Best Male Act

• Asake
• Diamond Platnumz
• Stonebwoy

Best Global African Artist

• Rema
• Burna Boy
• Ayra Starr

Best Music Video

• Rema – DND
• Ayra Starr – Commas

Best Live Performance

• Ayra Starr – 21: THE WORLD TOUR

Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone)

• Ayra Starr

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