The inaugural Trace Awards 2023 illuminated the city of Kigali, Rwanda, on October 21, 2023, in a dazzling celebration of music, culture, and creativity.
Haitian artist Rushelle Guillaume took center stage among the myriad of stars, shining brighter than ever before.
Davido, Yemi Alade, and ODUDMODUBLVCK graced the stage with electrifying performances that ignited the night.
This milestone event, organized in honor of Trace’s 20th anniversary, brought together a constellation of musical talents, executives, media luminaries, stakeholders, and adoring fans from across the globe.
The full list of winners below shows the diversity and richness of talent;
Album of the Year: ‘Love Damini’ – Burna Boy (Nigeria) Song of the Year: ‘Calm Down’ – Rema (Nigeria) Best Music Video: ‘Baddie’ – Yemi Alade (Nigeria) Best Male: Davido (Nigeria) Best Female: Viviane Chidid (Senegal) Best Collaboration: ‘Unavailable’ – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa) Best Newcomer: Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast) Best DJ: Michael Brun (Haiti) Best Producer: Tam Sir (Ivory Coast) Best Gospel Artist: KS Bloom (Ivory Coast) Best Live: Fally Ipupa (DRC) Best Artist Africa – Anglophone: Asake (Nigeria) Best Artist Africa – Francophone: Didi B (Ivory Coast) Best Artist Africa – Lusophone: Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde) Best Artist – Rwanda: Bruce Melodie (Rwanda) Best Artist – East Africa: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania) Best Artist – France & Belgium: Tayc (France) Best Artist – UK: Central Cee (UK) Best Artist – The Caribbean: Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti) Best Artist – Indian Ocean: Goulam (Comoros) Best Artist – Brazil: Ludmilla (Brazil) Best Artist – North Africa: Dystinct (Morocco)