The prestigious Trace Awards 2025 took place last night in Zanzibar, honoring the best African and diaspora artists. The event showcased outstanding musical talent, and Tanzania proudly stood out, with two of its top artists taking home major awards.

Tanzanian Winners

Tanzania had a strong representation at the event, with two of its biggest stars winning top accolades:

Diamond Platnumz was crowned Best Global African Artist, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the global music industry.
Nandy won the Best Tanzanian Artist award, reaffirming her position as one of the top female artists in the country.

Category Winners

The competition was fierce across all categories, with some of the biggest names in African music taking home awards. Here are the highlights:

Song of the Year

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

Album of the Year

Heis – Rema (Nigeria)
I Told Them – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Lungu Boy – Asake (Nigeria)
Vibration Universelle – Josey (Ivory Coast)
Fountain Baby – Amaarae (Ghana)
True To Self – King Promise (Ghana)
5th Dimension – Stonebwoy (Ghana)
Stamina – Toofan (Togo)

Best Collaboration

Coup du Marteau – Tamsir & Team Paiya (Ivory Coast)
Tshwala Bam Remix – Titom, Yuppe & Burna Boy (South Africa/Nigeria)
Nu Ka Sta Para – Neyna & MC Acondize (Cape Verde)
Credit Alert – Kocee ft. Patoranking (Cameroon/Nigeria)
MMS – Asake & Wizkid (Nigeria)
Benin Boys – Rema & Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Woto Woto Seasoning – Odumodublvck & Black Sherif (Ghana)

Read This Article In Swahili: Washindi wa Tuzo za Trace Awards Zanzibar 2025

Best Music Video

DND – Rema (Nigeria) – Directed by Meji Alabi
Twe Twe – Kizz Daniel & Davido (Nigeria) – Directed by TG Omori
Nani Remix – Zuchu feat Innoss’ B (Tanzania/DRC) – Directed by Folex
Jump – Tyla (South Africa) – Directed by Nabil Elderkin
Commas – Ayra Starr (Nigeria) – Directed by Kmane
C Pas Normal – Toofan (Togo) – Directed by Seoute Emmanuel
Sete – Innoss’ B (DRC) – Directed by Ach’B
MMS – Asake & Wizkid (Nigeria) – Directed by Edgar Esteves

Best Hip Hop Artist

Young Lunya (Tanzania)
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Nasty C (South Africa)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)

Best Male Artist

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Rema (Nigeria)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Asake (Nigeria)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Stonebwoy (Ghana)

Best Female Artist

Nandy (Tanzania)
Tyla (South Africa)
Makhadzi (South Africa)
Chelsea Dinorath (Angola)
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

Best Artist in East Africa

Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Harmonize (Tanzania)
Marioo (Tanzania)
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Nandy (Tanzania)
Bien (Kenya)
Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
Rophnan (Ethiopia)

Best Tanzanian Artist

Nandy
Mbosso (Zanzibar)
Diamond Platnumz
Zuchu (Zanzibar)
Marioo
Alikiba
Jux
Harmonize

A Night to Remember

The Trace Awards 2025 provided a platform to celebrate the incredible talent of African artists. This year’s event was particularly special for Tanzania, with Diamond Platnumz and Nandy bringing home prestigious awards. The competition was tough across all categories, showcasing the depth and diversity of African music.

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