Rema, Burna Boy, and Afrobeats Titans Score Big with 2025 Trace Awards Nods

The 2025 Trace Awards nominations are out, and once again, Nigerian music heavyweights are making waves. With stars like Burna Boy, Rema, Asake, and Yemi Alade leading the charge, Afrobeats is proving it’s not just a genre but a global movement.

The awards ceremony is set to light up Zanzibar on February 26, 2025, as part of a two-day event that also features a music summit. This event is all about celebrating African music stars who are breaking barriers and taking their sound to the world.

When it comes to nominations, Nigerian artists are dominating key categories. In Song of the Year, hits like Asake and Travis Scott’s “Active,” Rema and Shallipopi’s “Benin Boys,” and Burna Boy’s “Higher” are up for the top prize. Tems also joins the party with her soulful jam, “Love Me Jeje.”

The Album of the Year category is equally competitive, with Burna Boy’s I Told Them, Asake’s Lungu Boy, and Rema’s HEIS going head-to-head with incredible projects from Ghanaian artists Amaarae, King Promise, and Stonebwoy.

In the Best Collaboration category, we’re vibing to Asake and Wizkid’s “MMS” and Rema and Shallipopi’s viral hit “Benin Boys.” Burna Boy also makes a double appearance with a feature on South Africa’s Titom & Yuppe’s remix of “Tshwala Bam.”

The Best Music Video category, where Nigerian directors are shining bright. Meji Alabi’s work on Rema’s “DND” and TG Omori’s visuals for Kizz Daniel and Davido’s “Twe Twe” are leading the pack.

Afrobeats’ global impact is also celebrated in the Best Global African Artist category, with nominees like Burna Boy, Asake, and Rema flying the Nigerian flag high alongside Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and South Africa’s Tyla.

Dance enthusiasts have something to cheer for as Ikorodu Boys represent Nigeria in the Best Dancer category. And when it comes to DJs, the legendary DJ Spinall and DJ Neptune are spinning their way to glory in the Best DJ category.

The awards also highlight regional talent. From Ayra Starr, Tems, and Seyi Vibez for Best Artist in Western Africa to Yemi Alade’s African Rebel Tour bagging a nod for Best Live Performance, Nigerian stars are clearly unstoppable.

With so much talent on display and a lineup that celebrates the best of African music, the 2025 Trace Awards promises to be a night to remember. It’s not just about the trophies—it’s about showcasing the sounds that are shaping the future of global music.