By Juliet Ebirim

The second edition of the Trace Awards is set to take place at The Mora Resort, Zanzibar, Tanzania, on February 26, 2025. Organizers recently held a media event in Lagos to discuss the upcoming ceremony, with attendees including Trace West Africa Managing Director – Sam Onyemelukwe, DJ Neptune, video director TG Omori and representatives from sponsors Diageo and Airtel Nigeria.

Onyemelukwe highlighted the importance of the Trace Awards in celebrating African music. “For me, the Trace Awards is personal,” he stated, explaining the organization’s long-term commitment to creating the event. “We have been a key part of the Afrobeats and Amapiano movements, and we couldn’t just sit back and let outsiders take ownership of our culture. We had to stand up for Africa.”

Addressing the decision to hold the awards ceremony outside Nigeria, Onyemelukwe said “We want to bring the continent together while showcasing Africa’s beauty. Zanzibar is an incredible destination, and this year’s show will be an entirely different experience.”

DJ Neptune expressed enthusiasm for the 2025 awards, particularly the inclusion of DJ categories. “Kudos to Trace for acknowledging DJs this year,” he said.

The Trace Awards 2025 gala in Zanzibar will celebrate winners across a range of categories, showcasing both established and emerging African musical talent. The awards aim to recognize contributions from artists and industry professionals alike, promoting pride and ownership within the African music scene.