Zanzibar Set To Host 2025 Trace Awards And Summit

The Trace Awards & Summit 2025 is set to be a landmark event in Zanzibar, Tanzania, taking place from February 24th to February 26th, 2025.

This event, organized by Trace, a leading multimedia platform dedicated to Afro-Urban music and culture, serves both as an awards ceremony and a summit, making it a dual celebration of African artistic and business achievements.

The Trace Awards are recognized as one of Africa’s most prestigious musical and cultural gatherings, celebrating the creativity and influence of African and Afro-inspired music globally.

This year, the awards will feature 28 categories that span a diverse array of musical genres like Afrobeat, amapiano, dancehall, Hip-Hop, and more, showcasing artistes from over 30 countries.

Notable artistes nominated include Tyla, Burna Boy, Rema, Asake, Tems, and Sarkodie, Diamond Platnumz among others, competing in categories like Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best Artiste in various regional and international categories. Fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite artistes, with public votes accounting for 50% of the final decision, the other half determined by an expert jury.

The ceremony will be broadcast live across more than 200 countries, in English, French, and Portuguese, via 25 Trace channels, and through over 50 terrestrial, satellite, and streaming partners.

This extensive reach aims to connect with an estimated audience of at least 500 million fans, underlining the global appeal of African music. Alongside the awards, the Trace Summit will provide a platform for industry professionals to engage in discussions about the future of African music and entertainment.

This includes panels, keynotes, and masterclasses on topics like new technologies, marketing strategies, and the societal impact of music. It aims to empower artistes and stakeholders with knowledge and tools for success in the global market.

The summit will attract a wide range of participants from artistes, producers, managers, to investors, lawyers, and government officials, fostering a space for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. This year’s summit will particularly focus on how African music can continue to influence and lead on the world stage, promoting its cultural narratives and economic potential.

By hosting this event, Zanzibar not only positions itself as a cultural tourism destination but also emphasizes sustainable tourism practices. The event is expected to boost the local economy, promote Zanzibar’s rich heritage, and support local talent by providing them with international exposure.

The Trace Awards & Summit 2025 in Zanzibar promises to be a vibrant epicenter of music, culture, and innovation, celebrating the past achievements while setting the stage for future advancements in African music and culture.