The 2025 TRACE Awards promises to be one of the most exciting celebrations of African music and culture, as the nominees showcase a diverse range of exceptional talent.
With multiple categories, fierce competition, and high stakes, it’s difficult to pinpoint who will come out on top. However, after analyzing their achievements, influence, and fanbase, there are a few key artists who stand a strong chance of taking home one or more trophies at the awards ceremony.
Here’s a breakdown of the artistes most likely to win big and why:
1. Burna Boy: The African giant’s global domination
Firstly, it’s no surprise that Burna Boy is a frontrunner for multiple awards at the 2025 TRACE Awards. With 6 nominations under his belt, including Song of the Year for Higher, Best Male Artist, Best Live Performance, and Album of the Year, Burna Boy continues to solidify his place at the top of African music.
What makes Burna Boy a favorite to win?
His global impact is undeniable. His album I Told Them has earned critical acclaim and commercial success, while his performances are nothing short of legendary. With Higher continuing to dominate the charts, it’s evident that Burna Boy’s influence extends beyond Africa. The recognition of his work as Best Global African Artist further exemplifies his role as a cultural ambassador, helping propel African music to global platforms. The African Giant’s consistent success and undeniable work ethic make him a prime candidate for taking home multiple trophies.
2. Rema: The rising star with 6 nominations
Meanwhile, Rema’s rise to stardom has been meteoric, and it’s clear that the 2025 TRACE Awards recognizes his incredible journey. With 6 nominations for Song of the Year, Best Male Artist, Album of the Year for HEIS, and Best Music Video for DND, Rema has become one of the leading voices in the Afrobeats genre.
What makes Rema a favorite to win?
Rema’s strength lies in his uniqueness and his ability to capture the attention of audiences worldwide. His collaboration with Shallipopi on Benin Boys became an instant hit, making him a strong contender in the Best Collaboration category. With his undeniable international success and consistent chart-topping hits like Calm Down and Holiday, Rema’s dominance in both the local and international scenes makes him a strong candidate for multiple awards.
3. Ayra Starr: The sabi girl’s versatility and creativity
Additionally, Ayra Starr is an artiste who continues to shine and grow at an exponential rate. Nominated in 5 categories at the 2025 TRACE Awards, including Best Female Artist, Best Global African Artist, and Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone), Ayra is clearly recognized for her versatility and influence in the music industry.
What makes Ayra Starr a favorite to win?
Her creative vision and bold style have set her apart, with tracks like Away and Sability becoming fan favorites. She also won hearts with her outstanding performances during her 21: THE WORLD TOUR, which earned her a nomination for Best Live Performance. Ayra Starr’s evolution as an artist and her ability to cross boundaries in both music and visuals make her a likely winner, especially given her growing international appeal and recognition in the Afrobeats scene.
4. Asake: The unstoppable force of Afrobeats
Furthermore, Asake has consistently proven himself to be a powerhouse in the Afrobeats scene. With multiple nominations including Album of the Year for Lungu Boy, Song of the Year for Active, and Best Collaboration with Travis Scott, Asake’s genre-defying music and thrilling performances have captivated audiences across the globe.
What makes Asake a favorite to win?
His fusion of Afrobeats and hip-hop, especially through his collaboration with Travis Scott, is proof of his ability to break boundaries. Asake’s energetic sound and cultural relevance continue to set him apart, and with his remarkable year, he’s well-positioned to scoop up a few awards.
5. Tems: The soulful voice and international icon
However, Tems has been one of the most prominent African artists on the global scene in recent years. Her unique sound, which blends Afropop, R&B, and soul, has gained her immense popularity. She has already taken home prestigious awards, and her presence at the 2025 TRACE Awards is highly anticipated.
What makes Tems a favorite to win?
Her contribution to hits like Free Mind and her collaborations with global stars like Drake and Future have solidified her status. Tems’ musical versatility and the global recognition she enjoys make her a strong contender, particularly in categories like Best Global African Artist. Fans are sure to root for Tems as she continues to break records and push African music into new frontiers.
6. Diamond Platnumz: The king of East Africa’s sound
Lastly, Diamond Platnumz’s influence on the East African music scene is immense, and his presence at the 2025 TRACE Awards is undeniable. Known for his smooth vocals and unique blend of Afropop and Bongo Flava, Diamond’s global appeal cannot be ignored.
What makes Diamond Platnumz a favorite to win?
His consistent chart success and ability to blend traditional and contemporary influences have kept him at the forefront of African music. With his nomination for Best Male Artist and recognition in other categories, Diamond Platnumz is a contender who should not be overlooked.
