The Trace Awards 2025, proudly sponsored by Johnnie Walker, delivered an unforgettable night of music, culture, and celebration in Zanzibar on February 26.
As a champion of African creativity and progress in Zanzibar, Johnnie Walker honoured the continent’s biggest stars while leading critical conversations on the future of the music industry at the Trace Summit.
With electrifying performances, emotional award moments, and an all-star lineup of celebrities, the event showcased the rich diversity and talent of African artists. Fans played a crucial role in determining the winners, making the awards a genuine reflection of the people's voice.
The most coveted awards presented by Johnnie Walker
As a brand that has long celebrated progress, creativity, and those who keep walking, Johnnie Walker presented two of the night’s most coveted awards—Best Song of the Year and Best Newcomer—recognising the artists who are shaping the future of African music.
Best Song of the Year (Sponsored by Johnnie Walker): Titom & Yuppe – ‘Tshwala Bam’ (South Africa)
Presented by Anne Joy Michira, Marketing & Innovations Director, Diageo South, West & Central Africa and John Musunga, Managing Director Diageo South, West & Central Africa, whose leadership in driving cultural influence and innovation aligns with Johnnie Walker’s unwavering support of African artistry.
The winner of the category walked away with a $15,000 cheque and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Brand Home of Johnnie Walker in Scotland.
Best Newcomer (Sponsored by Johnnie Walker): Himra (Côte d'Ivoire)
Presented by Obinna Anyalebechi, Managing Director, Serengeti Breweries Limited, Tanzania, reinforcing Johnnie Walker’s belief in uplifting emerging talent and fueling the next generation of African stars.
The winner walked away with a $10,000 cheque and an all-expenses-paid trip to the Brand Home of Johnnie Walker in Scotland.
“At Johnnie Walker, we believe in celebrating those who keep walking and pushing boundaries. The Trace Awards are a testament to the relentless passion and creativity of African artists who continue to inspire the world,” said Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencer and Advocacy at Diageo Southern, West and Central Africa).
The Trace Summit
Beyond the awards, Johnnie Walker’s commitment to the music industry extended to the Trace Summit, where Diageo executives took part in high-impact discussions about the future of African music and its role in economic growth.
Key Summit Contributions by Diageo Executives:
Anne Joy Michira spoke at the "Power of African Music in Driving Tourism & Economic Growth" panel emphasising how brands like Johnnie Walker are investing in cultural influence.
Obinna Anyalebechi contributed to “The $1B Question: How to Convince Investors to Invest in African Music?”, reinforcing the need for strategic funding in the creative economy.
Award winners
The Trace Awards 2025 brought together Africa’s biggest stars as Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, Diamond Platnumz, Tyla, Asake and Ayra Starr lit up the stage with high-energy performances that left fans in awe.
Here’s a list of the rest of the winners:
Album of the Year: Rema – ‘Heis’
Best Collaboration: Tamsir & Team Paiya – ‘Coup du Marteau’ (Ivory Coast)
Best DJ: DJ Moh Green (Algeria)
Best Music Video: Meji Alabi – Rema ‘DND’ (Nigeria)
Best Hip Hop Artist: Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Best Male Artist: Rema (Nigeria)
Best Female Artist: Tyla (South Africa)
Best Live Performance: Fally Ipupa (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Best Producer: P.Priime - ‘MMS’ (Nigeria)
Best Dancer: Makhadzi South Africa
Best Global Artist: Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Best Artist (Southern Africa): Tyler ICU (South Africa)
Stay tuned for more exclusive content from the Trace Awards 2025 on the @johhniewalkerafrica Instagram page.
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