PHOTOS: How the inaugural Trace Awards and Festival went down in Kigali
Monday, October 23, 2023
Christianne Murengerantwari - Eliane Irakoze
The " Feel" hitmaker, the Nigeria’s award-winning star, David Adedeji Adeleke OON, who is professionally known as Davido overwhelmed after being called on stage for his 'Best male artiste' award. All Photos by Christianne Murengerantwari
It was a spectacular fusion of music, culture, and talent as Trace Awards and Festival made its dazzling debut on Saturday, October 21, at the iconic BK Arena, in the City of Kigali.
For the first time in history, Trace, the global music tastemaker with a two-decade legacy of sharing African musical brilliance with the world, gathered under the African stars to honor and celebrate the continent's musical.
In honor of Trace's 20th anniversary, a three-day festival unfolded at the Kigali Convention and Exhibition Village (KCEV). Rwandan artists like Maestro Boomin, Ish Kevin, Kenny K-Shot, Sema Sole, and others, also took to the stage.
The night of the Trace Awards was hosted by none other than the Afrobeats pioneer himself, D'Banj, and the enchanting Angolan supermodel, Maria Borges.
The Trace Awards included performances by approximately 50 African and Afro-inspired artists from around the world, including Bruce Melodie, Davido, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, and Diamond Platnumz.
Yemi Alade posing for a photo on the red carpet
Nigerian Superstar Davido arriving on the red carpet
Tanzanian artiste Juma Jux with his girlfriend Karen Bujulu
Lisandro Cuxi and Soraia Ramos from Cape Verde perfoming
Tanzanian Bongo Flava star Diamond Platnumz, also known as Simba dancing his hit Amapiano song ' Shu!'
Pheelz performance in 'Finnese' had the crowd go wild
Zuchu performing her song 'Kwikwi' during Trace Awards at BK Arena on Saturday, October 21
Ugandan singer and songwriter Azawi performing her famous song 'Slow dancing'
Rwandan artist Bwiza performing her latest song 'Carry me'
Best music video award winner, Nigeria's Yemi Alade during her performance
Pheelz showing off his drumming skills during his perfomance
Rema on stage for his 'Song of the year' award
Nigerian artist Rema stepping on stage for his Global African Artiste award
South African three- time Grammy Award winners, Soweto Gospel choir, joined Mr Eazi on stage performing their song 'Exit'
The soulful melodies of Amapiano were represented during Diamond Platnumz performance
The "Amashu" hitmaker Chriss Eazzy performing 'Inana'
French dancehall singer Bamby delivered electrifying performance at the Festival
South African musician Musa Keys performing Amapiano.
Juma Jux perfoming his hit song ' Enjoy' ft diamond Platnmuz
Didi B from Ivory Coast was the best Africa-Francophone artiste
South African artiste Nomcebo received the Global African Artist award for her song "Jerusalema”, the most Shazamed African hit
Didi B from Ivory Coast was the best Africa-Francophone artiste
Moroccan singer Dystinct was best artiste - North Africa
Didi B from Ivory Coast was the best Africa-Francophone artiste
Tam Sir from Ivory Coast speaks after winning the best producer award
Best Artiste Lusophone Africa award went to Cape Verdean singer Lisandro Cuxi
Comoros artist Goulam accepting his award for Best Artiste-Indian Ocean
The compozers band on stage for their award.
Roselyne Layo from Ivory Coast won the ' Best Newcomer' award
Mr Eazi accepting his ' Change Maker' award
Nigerian rapper Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, the winner of the Global African Artiste and Best Song categories at the Trace Awards, during his acceptance speech for his second award of 'song of the year'
Nigerian superstar Davido and South African Musa Keys during their acceptance speech for their 'Best collaboration award' for 'Unavailable'
Rwandan star Bruce Melodie accompanied by producer Element for his 'Best artiste Rwanda' award
Nigerian rapper Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, the winner of the Global African Artiste and Best Song categories at the Trace Awards, during his acceptance speech for his second award of 'song of the year'