The Trace Awards & Summit 2025, scheduled in Zanzibar in February, will bring together top talents in Afro-urban music, highlighting the global impact of African rhythms. This iconic event, both a summit and an awards ceremony, will take place at the prestigious Mora Resort, drawing an international audience to celebrate African artists and culture on the iconic island of Zanzibar.
In February 2025, Zanzibar, the legendary island of the Tanzanian archipelago, will host the Trace Awards & Summit, transforming its shores into a global stage to honor Afro-urban music and its heroes. The event will be held at the magnificent Mora Resort, attracting Africa’s musical elite and the iconic figures of a multifaceted culture. From February 24 to 26, Trace will shine a spotlight on the artists and voices embodying the musical renaissance of an entire continent, marking a new step in the recognition of African music on the world stage.
This gathering serves as an ode to Afro-urban creativity and a crossroads for industry players, solidifying the continent’s place as a cradle of an ever-evolving cultural production. Following the success of the first edition in 2023, which captivated an audience of 500 million people worldwide, the Trace Awards this year promise a unique experience. It’s not just a music award; it’s an immersion into the world of rhythms and melodies that echo from Senegal’s shores to Cape Town’s beaches, crossing borders and uniting diasporas.
The rise of afro-urban rhythms
It’s hard to imagine a time when Afro-urban sounds were absent from international playlists. In just a few years, genres such as Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall, Afro-pop, Zouk, Kizomba, and many others have climbed to the top of global charts. These rhythms are more than a trend; they are the vibrant expression of contemporary African societies, reflecting their dynamism and aspirations. Every artist who steps onto the Trace Awards stage embodies the spirit of this music: a fierce desire to make Africa resonate across all continents.
Names that are on everyone’s lips—Burna Boy, Fally Ipupa, Davido, Yemi Alade, Aya Nakamura—illustrate this achievement. These artists don’t just produce hits; they create modern anthems that accompany the lives and stories of millions of people. The Trace Awards 2025 will thus be a celebration of this legacy and this vision that transcends genres and defies boundaries.
A rich and committed program
The festivities will begin with the Trace Summit, held on February 24 and 25, a unique forum for discussion and learning that will address all aspects of the African music industry. The Trace Summit is a convergence point for artists, producers, managers, and investors—a rare opportunity for African music industry players to dialogue, learn, and reinvent themselves. This year, panels and workshops will cover various themes, from new technologies to music’s societal impact, and marketing strategies for a global audience.
After these two days, on February 26, the spotlight will turn to the awards ceremony at the Mora Resort. Zanzibar, more than just a setting, becomes a symbol: a resolutely modern Africa that welcomes and honors its most talented children. The Trace Awards will broadcast the recognition of winners across 28 music categories live in over 200 countries, in English, French, and Portuguese. Such a scale testifies to the importance and impact of this event, which unites music lovers from all around the world in shared enthusiasm.
Zanzibar: between tradition and innovation
The choice of Zanzibar for these Awards is significant. The island is a natural bridge between Africa and the rest of the world, a historical crossroads of cultural exchanges where African, Arab, and European influences mix. This year, Zanzibar will host a globally broadcast awards ceremony for the first time, a defining moment for the continent and the region. “Zanzibar is proud to host the prestigious Trace Awards and Summit, a celebration of African music and culture on the world stage,” says Minister of Tourism Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga. This event showcases the island’s beauty and diversity while reinforcing Zanzibar’s commitment to sustainable and respectful tourism.
For Dr. Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, Principal Secretary of Zanzibar, “Hosting the first-ever live global broadcast of a major African awards ceremony is an honor for our island.” Beyond the tourist appeal, this live broadcast is a milestone in recognizing Zanzibar’s role as a premier international destination, combining cultural heritage and innovation.
A perfect alliance: Mora Resort and African music
The Mora Resort, which will host this exceptional event, embodies the spirit of Tanzanian hospitality in all its splendor. This prestigious venue, located on the pristine shores of Muyuni Beach, is both a luxury retreat and a tribute to the island’s natural beauty. For Reda Sweed, the resort’s general manager, “The Trace Awards & Summit is the perfect occasion to share Zanzibar’s unique atmosphere with the world.”
With its 250 elegant suites and breathtaking views, the Mora Resort aims to rise to the occasion. Spectators, artists, and guests will enjoy a unique experience, where comfort and nature harmoniously blend. This atmosphere, conducive to relaxation and reflection, will be the perfect setting to celebrate music that unites and transcends cultures.
An impact beyond the stage
The reach of the Trace Awards goes far beyond an awards ceremony. It’s about building bridges, connecting diasporas, and offering international visibility to talents whose voices deserve to be heard. At a time when Africa continues to strive for cultural and economic autonomy, recognizing its artists is a crucial step. This platform provides African youth with a model of inspiration and ambition, proving that success is possible without sacrificing their roots.
Organizing such an event in an African setting also emphasizes the importance of preserving and showcasing the continent’s cultural resources. While external influences sometimes threaten to overshadow local identities, the Trace Awards remind us of Africa’s cultural richness and vitality. This gathering in Zanzibar thus becomes a manifesto: Africa is a global cultural leader, capable not only of exporting its talents but also of celebrating them on its own soil.
An invitation to the world for the Trace Awards & Summit 2025
The Trace Awards & Summit 2025 is not just a celebration for Africa but an invitation to the world to explore the continent’s cultural richness and appreciate its values. Fans, guests, and viewers will be able to interact through the hashtags #TraceAwardsZanzibar and #TraceSummitZanzibar, reinforcing this vision of an open and connected Africa. Trace, as a platform for Afro-urban music and culture, is not merely organizing an awards ceremony; it is shaping a movement that unites millions around shared values and a common passion.
In February 2025, Zanzibar will become the setting for a historic moment for African music and the diaspora, a vibrant tribute to the soul of this dynamic continent.
