Zanzibar to Host the Star-Studded Second Edition of the Trace Awards

Zanzibar, Tanzania, is set to welcome the second edition of the highly anticipated Trace Awards on February 26, 2025, at The Mora. The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of African music, culture, and talent, offering a unique experience that will leave a lasting impact on the global music scene.

Ahead of the event, a high-profile nominee reception press conference was held in Lagos, bringing together key figures from the music industry, nominees, and sponsors. The gathering served as an exciting preview of what to expect at this year’s ceremony.

Among the attendees were Sam Onyemelukwe, Managing Director of Trace West Africa, celebrated DJ Neptune, renowned director TG Omori, Kemi Longe, and Adefemi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Airtel Nigeria.

Sam Onyemelukwe, in his speech, emphasized the profound significance of the Trace Awards in elevating African music on the global stage. “For me, the Trace Awards is personal. We worked for many years to bring it to life, and the first edition last year was a milestone. The culture that began on the streets of Lagos has now gone global, and Trace has been a key player in both the Afrobeats and Amapiano movements. We couldn’t let outsiders take ownership of our culture – we had to stand up for Africa,” he said.

On the decision to host the awards outside of Nigeria, Onyemelukwe explained, “We want to unite the continent while showcasing Africa’s beauty. Zanzibar is a breathtaking destination, and this year’s event will offer an entirely new experience. Unlike last year’s arena-style setup, we’re taking the event to the beach, promising an unforgettable visual spectacle.”

DJ Neptune, a key figure in African music, shared his excitement about this year’s event, particularly the recognition of DJs in the awards categories. “Kudos to Trace for acknowledging DJs this year. I’m excited about the event in Zanzibar—it’s an incredible destination, and I hope we can bring it back home soon.”

Kemi Longe, representing Johnnie Walker, spoke passionately about the brand’s commitment to the creative economy. “Johnnie Walker is deeply passionate about music. Our ‘Keep Walking’ philosophy—representing progress, consistency, bold innovation, and creativity—aligns perfectly with the Trace Awards. That’s why we are proud to sponsor two major categories: Song of the Year and Best Newcomer, celebrating the artists shaping the future of African music.”

With an exciting new location, a growing list of influential sponsors, and a host of industry leaders gathering in Zanzibar, the second edition of the Trace Awards is set to shine a global spotlight on the talent and culture of Africa, offering an unforgettable night of music and celebration.