Tyla added another feather to her cap when she bagged the award for Best Female Artist of the Year at the 3rd Trace Awards & Summit.
Image: Supplied
South African musicians are proving to be unstoppable.
Four local artists were among other superstars who won big at the 3rd Trace Awards & Summit, which was held at the Mora Resort in Zanzibar from February 24 -26.
The Trace Awards & Festival, which was established in 2023, is a live awards ceremony and festival that celebrates the “creativity, coolness and confidence” of African and Afro-inspired music and culture around the world.
The global music platform and African music tastemaker focuses a global spotlight on musicians, creators, entrepreneurs and achievers from across Africa and the African diaspora.
At the awards, global sensation Tyla took the crown in the Best Female Artist of the Year category with her groundbreaking artistry and unique sound.
South Africa’s dynamic powerhouse Makhadzi proved once again why she’s a force to be reckoned with on the dancefloor by taking home the Best Dancer award.
Taking to Instagram, Makhadzi wrote: "Congratulations khadzinators 🎉🥂🍾, GOD DID!, YOU MADE IT FOR ME. BLESSINGS ON TOP OF BLESSINGS, we started our beautiful year with a BIG achievement. Thank you for your love and support ❤️.
"@traceawards thank you for making sure we shine like sunflower 🌻 all the time 🕰️. I traveled 9 hours to fetch it, and I found it clean and beautiful."
The "MaGear" hitmaker also hinted at a new collaboration with Tanzanian Afrobeats musician Konde Boy, who also attended and performed at the event.
Meanwhile, Best Artist Southern Africa went SA hitmaker, Tyler ICU and Song of the Year went to the unstoppable Mzansi duo TitoM and Yuppe who took home the award with their chart-topping anthem, "Tswhala Bam" a song that has set dance floors on fire worldwide.
Nigerian superstar Rema won two awards, for Album of the Year for his critically acclaimed album "Heis" and Male Artist of the Year, and local icon and reality TV show superstar Diamond Platnumz earned the prestigious title of Best Global African Artist.
The awards also honoured Nigerian legend, D’Banj, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his enduring impact on the African music industry.
Olivier Laouchez, chairman and co-founder of Trace, said: "The Trace Awards & Summit was born from an unshakable belief: that Africa’s music, its artists and its culture deserve to be celebrated on the highest level, with the world watching.
"Our mission is not just to spotlight the incredible talent emerging from the continent but to create a global stage where African creativity is recognised, respected and rewarded. Trace has always been driven by a deep passion for the music and culture of Africa and its diaspora, and we remain committed to elevating it to new heights."
Full list of winners.
Song of the Year - Tito & Yuppe, "Tswhala Bam"
Album of the Year - Rema, "Heis"
Male Artist of the Year - Rema
Best Female Artist - Tyla
Best Music Video - Meji Alabi, "DND"
Best Collaboration - Tam Sir & Team Paiya, "Coup du Marteau"
Best Dancer - Makhadzi
Best DJ - DJ Moh Green
Best Global African Artist - Diamond Platnumz
Best Hip Hop Artist - Didi B
Best Live Performance - Fally Ipupa
Best Producer - P. Priime
Best Gospel- Mercy Chinwo
Best Artist Francophone Africa - Josey
Best Artist Western Africa - Ayra Starr
Best Artist Southern Africa - Tyler ICU
Best Artist Eastern Africa - BIEN
Best Artist Lusophone Africa - Chelsea Dinorath
Best Artist Tanzania - Nandy
Best Artist Diaspora Europe - Joe Dwet Filé
The Changemaker - Sherrie Silver
Best Artist Diaspora Brazil - Duquesa
Best Artist Diaspora Indian Ocean - Lea Churros
Best Newcomer - Himra
Best Artist Diaspora Caribbean - Kenny Haitï
Lifetime Achievement Award - D’Banj