Entertainment

Rema, Ayra Starr, Mercy Chinwo Shine at 2025 Trace Awards

Published

1 month ago

Feb 27, 2025.

Rema won ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Best Male Artist’ at the 2025 Trace Awards.
Ayra Starr was named ‘Best West African Artist’, while Mercy Chinwo won ‘Best Gospel Artist’.
D’banj received the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his contributions to music.

Nigerian music stars Rema, Ayra Starr, and Mercy Chinwo emerged as major winners at the 2025 Trace Awards, held on Wednesday, February 26, at the Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Rema took home two prestigious awards, winning ‘Album of the Year’ for Heis and securing the title of ‘Best Male Artist’. His win cements his dominance in the Afrobeat scene, following a year of chart-topping hits and global recognition.

Ayra Starr continued her meteoric rise by winning ‘Best West African Artist’, further solidifying her status as one of the most prominent voices in contemporary Afropop.

The ‘Rush’ singer’s success reflects the growing influence of female artists in the industry.

Renowned gospel artist Mercy Chinwo was honored as ‘Best Gospel Artist’, recognizing her impact on the gospel music scene with her inspiring and uplifting songs. Meanwhile, veteran artist D’banj received the esteemed ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, celebrating his significant contributions to the music industry over the years.

Other notable Nigerian winners included P.Priime, who won ‘Best Producer’ for his work on MMS, and Meji Alabi, who earned ‘Best Music Video’ for directing Rema’s DND.

The Trace Awards, known for celebrating African and global talent, saw South African artist Titom & Yuppe clinch ‘Song of the Year’ for Tshwala Bam, while Ivory Coast’s Didi B won ‘Best Hip Hop Artist’. South African sensation Tyla was named ‘Best Female Artist’ and also competed for ‘Song of the Year’ with Jump.

Despite stiff competition from other global African stars, Nigerian artists dominated several key categories, reaffirming their stronghold in the global music industry.

The 2025 Trace Awards highlighted Africa’s evolving musical landscape, honoring the talent that continues to shape and influence the global music scene.