

TRACE AWARDS 2025: CELEBRATE MUSICAL EXCELLENCE AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISTS!
Zanzibar, Tanzania • 30 December 2024 – The Trace Awards & Summit 2025, the most prestigious musical event on the African continent, is set to electrify Zanzibar. The Trace Awards ceremony, taking place on the 26th February 2025, will bring together the continent’s and diaspora’s greatest talents. Trace invites fans worldwide to actively participate by voting for their favourite artists.
Voting officially opens on the 2nd January 2025 ➡ www.traceawards.plus.
Music fans, it’s your time to act! Your vote accounts for 50% of the final decision and can make the difference in choosing the winners. The other half results from the votes of an expert jury.
A Celebration of African Musical Diversity
Africa is home to many musical styles that profoundly influence contemporary sounds worldwide.
The Trace Awards highlight the richness and excellence of Afro music through genres such as Afrobeat, dancehall, hip-hop, Afro-pop, mbalax, amapiano, zouk, kizomba, genge, coupé-décalé, bongo flava, soukous, gospel, rap, raï, kompa, RnB, and rumba. Artists from over 30 countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe are competing in 24 categories.
Why Vote?
The Trace Awards are more than just an event; they are a platform dedicated to recognising artists who shape the future of African and international music. By voting, fans have the opportunity to amplify the voices of their favorite artists both on the continent and internationally and support works that reflect their identity and cultural pride.
Voting closes on 15th February 2025. (Voting is free, accessible to all, and fully compliant with RGPD regulations)
TRACE AWARDS 2025 NOMINEES
GLOBAL AWARDS
Song of the Year
Tyla – Jump (South Africa)
Tyler ICU – Mnike (South Africa)
Titom & Yuppe – Tshwala Bam (South Africa)
Tamsir x Team Paiya – Coup du Marteau (Ivory Coast)
Asake & Travis Scott – Active (Nigeria)
Tems – Love Me Jeje (Nigeria)
Burna Boy – Higher (Nigeria)
Rema & Shallipopi – Benin Boys (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz – Komasawa (Tanzania)
Album of the Year
Burna Boy – I Told Them (Nigeria)
Asake – Lungu Boy (Nigeria)
Rema – Heis (Nigeria)
Josey – Vibration Universelle (Ivory Coast)
Amaarae – Fountain Baby (Ghana)
King Promise – True To Self (Ghana)
Stonebwoy – 5th Dimension (Ghana)
Toofan – Stamina (Togo)
Best Collaboration
Titom & Yuppe & Burna Boy – Tshwala Bam (Remix) (South Africa/Nigeria)
Neyna & MC Acondize – Nu Ka Sta Para (Cape Verde)
Kocee ft. Patoranking – Credit Alert (Cameroon/Nigeria)
Asake & Wizkid – MMS (Nigeria)
Rema & Shallipopi – Benin Boys (Nigeria)
Odumodublvck & Black Sherif – Woto Woto Seasoning (Ghana)
Tamsir & Team Paiya – Coup du Marteau (Ivory Coast)
Best Music Video
Meji Alabi for Rema “DND” (Nigeria)
TG Omori for Kizz Daniel & Davido “Twe Twe” (Nigeria)
Director Folex for Zuchu feat Innoss’ B “Nani” (Remix) (Tanzania/DRC)
Nabil Elderkin for Tyla “Jump” (South Africa)
Kmane for Ayra Starr “Commas” (Nigeria)
Seoute Emmanuel for Toofan “C Pas Normal” (Togo)
Ach’B for Innoss’ B “Sete” (DRC)
Edgar Esteves for Asake & Wizkid “MMS” (Nigeria).
Best Dancer
Ikorodu Boys (Nigeria)
Dancegod Lloyd (Ghana)
Incredible Zigi (Ghana)
Kamo Mphela (South Africa)
Telminho (Angola)
Makhadzi (South Africa)
Ordinateur (Ivory Coast)
Issac Kalonji (Democratic Republic of Congo).
Best DJ
Tyler ICU – Mnike (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles – Wadibusa (South Africa)
DJ Tunez – Apala Disco Remix (Nigeria)
DJ Nelasta – Eros (Angola)
DJ Spinall ft. Tyla & Omah Lay – One Call (Nigeria)
DJ Neptune ft. Qing Madi – Honest (Nigeria)
DJ Moh Green – Kelele (Algeria)
DJ Maphorisa – Mnike (South Africa)
Kabza De Small – Imithandazo (South Africa)
Best Hip-Hop Artist (sponsored by Hot 97)
Nasty C (South Africa), Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria), Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)
Sarkodie (Ghana)
Young Lunya (Tanzania)
Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa)
PAN-AFRICAN AWARDS
Best Global African Artist
Tyla (South Africa)
Tyler ICU (South Africa)
Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Asake (Nigeria/USA)
Rema (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Best Male Artist
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Asake (Nigeria)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Stonebwoy (Ghana)
Best Female Artist
Tyla (South Africa)
Makhadzi (South Africa)
Chelsea Dinorath (Angola)
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Best Newcomer (sponsored by Johnnie Walker)
Nkosazana Daughter (South Africa)
Himra (Ivory Coast)
Sabrina (Cameroon)
Mia Guissé (Senegal)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Qing Madi (Nigeria)
Abigail Chams (Tanzania)
Best Live Performance
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Ayra Starr – 21: The World Tour (Nigeria)
Burna Boy – I Told Them (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Yemi Alade – African Rebel Tour (Nigeria)
Didi B – Mojo Trone Tour (Ivory Coast)
Diamond Platnumz – Wasafi Festival (Tanzania)
Best Producer
Kelvin Momo – Sewe (South Africa)
P.Priime – MMS (Nigeria)
DJ Maphorisa – Mnike (South Africa)
Tam Sir – Coup du Marteau (Ivory Coast)
Sarz – Happiness (Nigeria)
Jae 5 – Perfect Combi (Ghana)
KDDO – For Certain (Party Next Door) (Nigeria)
London – Ozeba (Nigeria)
Kabza De Small – Imithandazo (South Africa)
Best Gospel Artist
Spirit of Praise 10 (South Africa)
KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
Bella Kombo (Tanzania)
Israël Mbonyi (Rwanda)
REGIONAL AWARDS
Best Artist Eastern Africa
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Bien (Kenya)
Joshua Baraka (Uganda)
Harmonize (Tanzania)
Rophnan (Ethiopia)
Marioo (Tanzania)
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Nandy (Tanzania)
Best Artist – Western Africa Anglophone
Seyi Vibez (Nigeria)
Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Chike (Nigeria)
Simi (Nigeria)
KiDi (Ghana)
Best Artist – Southern Africa
Titom & Yuppe (South Africa)
De Mthuda (South Africa)
Inkabi Zezwe (South Africa)
Dlala Thukzin (South Africa)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Tyler ICU (South Africa)
Best Artist Francophone Africa
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Tidiane Mario (Congo)
Gaz Mawete (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Wally B. Seck (Senegal)
PhillBill (Cameroon)
Best Artist Lusophone Africa
Calema (São Tomé and Príncipe)
Landrick (Angola)
Chelsea Dinorath (Angola)
Twenty Fingers (Mozambique)
Mr. Bow (Mozambique)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
Best Artist – Tanzania
Mbosso (Zanzibar)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Zuchu (Zanzibar)
Marioo (Tanzania)
Nandy (Tanzania)
Alikiba (Tanzania)
Jux (Tanzania)
Harmonize (Tanzania)
INTERNATIONAL AND DIASPORA AWARDS
Best Artist – Europe
Central Cee (United Kingdom)
Kalash (France/Martinique)
Darkoo (United Kingdom)
Joe Dwet File (France/Haiti)
Jungeli (France)
Franglish (France)
Aya Nakamura (France/Mali)
Best Artist – Brazil
Racionais MC’s (Brazil)
MC IG (Brazil)
Péricles (Brazil)
Tasha & Tracie (Brazil)
Ludmilla (Brazil)
Duquesa (Brazil)
Best Artist – Caribbean
Venssy (French Guiana)
Mathieu White (Guadeloupe)
Meryl (Martinique)
Nesly (French Guiana)
Shenseea (Jamaica)
Kenny Haiti (Haiti)
Best Artist – Indian Ocean
Barth (Reunion)
Goulam (Comoros)
PLL (Reunion)
Kalipsxau (Reunion)
Léa Churros (Reunion)
Jamily Jeanne (Mauritius)
To join in the conversation about the Trace Awards & Summit, use the hashtags: #TraceAwardsZanzibar and #TraceSummitZanzibar.
Follow Trace on Facebook and Instagram @traceawards, YouTube @TraceMusicOfficiel


adidas Soccer Releases New Adicolor Range
South Africa, December 12, 2024 – adidas Soccer launched a brand new adicolor range of 70s and 80s-inspired tracksuits and t-shirts, giving a fresh twist on the club’s retro colorways.
Designed with a slim fit in premium pique material, the track top features engineered 3-Stripes tape, a ribbed collar and cuffs, convenient zipped side pockets, and flock-printed trefoil and club crest on the chest. The pique track pants are tailored for a slim fit and include zipped side pockets and iconic 3-Stripes tape down each leg, blending functionality with classic style. The collection is completed with a slim-fitted crew neck tee with short sleeves, featuring engineered 3-Stripes tape along with flock-printed crest and Trefoil branding on the chest.

FC Bayern Munich
The elegance of the 70s, crafted for fashion-forward FC Bayern fans. This range blends nostalgic aesthetics with contemporary style, featuring signature red and off-white tones, engineered tape detailing, and flock-printed crests and logos that celebrate the heritage of both football and fashion. FC Bayern wording on the back of the track top completes this retro-inspired look.

Juventus
This simple yet elegant black and white design includes the black horse silhouette crest from the 1977-1989 era. The lettering style of ‘Juventus’ across the back of the t-shirt and track top adicolor also originates from the same time period

Manchester United
The adicolor Manchester United collection takes its color inspiration from the iconic red and black kits of the 80s and 90s. The club crest is the one last seen on United’s matchday jerseys in 1998, while the 80s-era lettering on the back of the track top completes the vintage look.

Real Madrid
Resplendent in a regal cream and lilac, with the 80s-style lettering of ‘Real Madrid’ providing a further nod to the past. The collection is tied to the contemporary era through the use of a bold, simplified take on the current club crest.

Arsenal
The Arsenal adicolor collection oozes retro class in red and blue and features the classic crest that appeared on the club’s jerseys between 1949-1994. The lettering used for the club’s name on the back of the tee and jacket is the same vintage font from the old club badge.
The adicolor collection is now available at select adidas retail stores and online at adidas football jersey at https://www.adidas.co.za/soccer-clothing


340ML BACK TOGETHER FOR SOUTH AFRICA REUNION TOUR
Johannesburg, South Africa – Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience as one of Africa’s most legendary and iconic music groups, 340ml reunites for an exclusive, one-time-only South African tour this coming March.
After years of living and creating in the neighbouring Maputo, the band is bringing their signature sound back to the stage for a much-anticipated reunion that promises to rekindle old memories and create new ones. And with their huge following in the Southern Africa region, the tour also aims to further unite Africans with good music.
The 340ml Reunion Tour will be hitting South African soil in March 2025, bringing the group’s unique blend of jazz, funk, and afro-beat rhythms to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Fans will be treated to the kind of live performance that made 340ml a household name in African music, with old classics and fresh renditions of fan favorites. So whether you were a fan from the beginning of their career, or have only recently discovered their sound, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
340ml has earned a reputation for their soulful, multi-genre sound, and now, with their reunion tour, they’re bringing it all back for one unforgettable moment in time. Get ready for a nostalgic celebration of African music that spans genres, cultures, and generations.
Gates open at 2pm, and the music will keep flowing until the magic fades at 9pm. It’s a day of memories, music, and pure joy for all ages!
The Joburg leg will take place on Saturday, 15 March 2025, followed by Cape Town: on Sunday 16 March 2025. The tour will take place at outdoor family friendly venues to be announced later this week.
General Access costs R395, R150 for children (under 13) while there is no ticket fee for children under 5 years of age. VIP Access set for R650, and will get up close and personal with the band.
Limited tickets will be available for purchase from Friday, 13th December at HOWLER, so don’t delay! With the excitement already building, you’ll want to grab your tickets early to ensure you’re part of this incredible reunion.
Presented by locally based connectors Ratanang Agency, the 340ml Reunion Tour will be a musical journey of pure joy, vibrant energy, and the kind of soulful sound that only 340ml can deliver. Gather your friends, your family and your memories – this is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of African music and the unforgettable moments it has given us all. Let’s relive the magic together!


adidas Reveals New Limited Collection COPA Luxe Control
South Africa, December 10th – Today, adidas reveals the COPA Luxe Control, with new technical innovations that give fans a glimpse of the future of the franchise in 2025.
Designed for connection, the COPA is the choice for football’s architects who like to control the game, appreciate a silky touch and dominate the field with precision passing. The latest model has been updated through rigorous testing and cutting-edge innovation, to provide superior touch, control and comfort. The new features include:
- FUSIONSKIN – A seamless, quilted leather upper that provides a great fit and unrivalled touch
- COMFORT FRAME – The highest comfort proposition in the range for comfort and traction. An outsole made out of a high-performance piece and a softer outer frame to provide a transition between upper and outsole.
- FORMFIT – A novel fit construction combining padded heel, a primeknit tongue to optimize fit and lockdown, and a new, anatomically shaped sockliner developed in collaboration with Ortholite®. Created to help eliminate any excess space within the shoe, for the perfect interaction between foot and boot

The result is a boot designed to feel so comfortable, it’s like an extension of the player’s body, enabling the on-field architects of the team to do what they do best.
The COPA Luxe Control boasts a classy white colourway adorned with striking black and gold details, seamlessly combining a luxury look with the classic feel of the COPA franchise.The new COPA Luxe Control is now available in a laced version only, via www.adidas.co.za/copa, and selected adidas stores and retailers.


Introducing the adidas x David Beckham limited edition Originals Predator 24
Introducing the adidas x David Beckham limited edition Originals Predator 24
- Designed in collaboration with David Beckham to mark the Predator’s 30-year anniversary
- It’s the first time the adidas iconic Trefoil features on a Predator boot and will be worn on-pitch by the likes of Alessia Russo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Paulo Dybala and more
- The boot is also available on the virtual pitch in EA SPORTS FC 25 from November
- The adidas x David Beckham Predator 24 is available from November 7th at select adidas retail stores and www.adidas.co.za/predator.

South Africa December 10th, 2024 – Today, adidas and David Beckham unveil the adidas x David Beckham Predator 24. Two years in the making, the limited-edition Predator breaks new ground by featuring – for the first time ever – the Trefoil on a Predator boot. Inspired by adidas’ origins, the Predator 24 includes a classic two-tone colourway, with a predominantly white upper alongside bold premium detailing in the adidas Originals iconic blue pantone
The Trefoil features on key design details such as the outsole, heel tap and elastic strap, alongside a bold monochrome design integrated within the iconic three stripes. The rubber elements typically found on the Predator 24 tongue have been replaced with all-Fusionskin leather and includes an embroidered Trefoil, adding a more premium feel. The reverse side of the tongue is completed with an adidas x David Beckham sign-off.
The adidas x David Beckham Predator 24 will be worn on-pitch during the next round of European club competition fixtures by top players including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo De Paul and Éder Militão. Alessia Russo will wear the boots in her upcoming home league game on November 8th.

Sam Handy, SVP of Product and Design at adidas said, “We’re always looking at how we can break new ground in the world of football, and what better way to do so than with one of our longest serving and most iconic partners? A name so synonymous with Predator, it was only right we handed over the creative reins to David to enable him to bring his vision to life through an adidas lens. This boot is a true reflection of on-pitch performance combined with luxury lifestyle, elevated to a level never seen before with a Predator boot.”
David Beckham added, “I’ve loved designing this special Predator boot and collection with adidas. It’s great to finally share what we’ve been working on with fans of the adidas Predator and Originals. For the first time ever, this Predator features the iconic trefoil – I asked the question and they said yes… and I’m so proud of how the collection has turned out. It’s fantastic to celebrate 30 years of the Predator and with that, look back at many amazing on-pitch moments for myself and so many others.”
The adidas x David Beckham Predator 24 also made its debut on the virtual pitch in EA SPORTS FC 25 from November 14. Additionally, the new boot will also be equipped on the likes of David Beckham, Alessia Russo, and Trent Alexander Arnold across all game modes starting on November 19.
The adidas x David Beckham Predator 24 is available from December at selected retail stores and www.adidas.co.za/predator.