Fashioning Modern Africanism

D’BANJ AND MARIA BORGES TO HOST TRACE AWARDS Nigerian music legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist D’Banj, and Angolan supermodel and fashion icon Maria Borges have been revealed as the hosts of the first Trace Awards in Rwanda.  Presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell, the Trace Awards will take place at the BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda on 21 October 2023.  D'Banj and Maria Borges will preside over a star-studded lineup of 60+ performers and nominees at the Trace Awards including Davido (Nigeria), Nomcebo (South Africa), Yemi Alade (Nigeria), Mr Eazi (Nigeria), Blxckie (South Africa), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), Bwiza (Rwanda), Chriss Eazy (Rwanda), Didi B (Ivory Coast), Dystinct (Morocco), Janet Otieno (Kenya), Josey (Ivory Coast), Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde), Locko (Cameroon), Mikl (Reunion), Perola (Angola), Plutonio (Mozambique), Princess Lover (Martinique), Ronisia (France), Rutshelle Guillaume (Haïti), Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde), Tayc (France), Terrell Elymoor (Mayotte), The Compozers

Taking place live on 21 October 2023 at the BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda, the Trace Awards & Festival is presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell. Trace Awards in Africa, a live event & global TV spectacular that celebrates the creativity, talent and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists Comments Olivier Laouchez, Chairman & Co-Founder, Trace,   “African and African diaspora artists are extraordinarily creative and dynamic. They represent a massive cultural force and deserve more global recognition and celebration. The Trace Awards’ nominations salute achievement and excellence from more than 150 performers, producers, DJs, writers, composers, directors, established artists and rising stars, and their management and labels. We congratulate all the nominees, most of whom will attend and perform in Kigali on 21 October. It will be an unmissable experience for lovers of African and Afro-inspired music.” From North to South, from East to West, the entire African con

     With the ongoing goal to showcase local talent while also empowering young creatives to produce outstanding quality local content, Trace today announced three diverse new locally produced Trace Original shows – Future Maskandi, Afro Tech is Life and The Re-Introduction.   Hosted by seasoned presenter and musician Zulu Mkhathini, the FUTURE MASKANDI show will air on Monday evenings at 19:00 CAT from 3 October 2022 and repeats on Wednesdays at 14:00 CAT and Sundays 19h00 CAT on Trace Africa. Features on the show include artist like Mzukulu, Mnqobi Yazo, Lwah Ndlunkulu Thee Legacy, Big Zulu and many more.   FUTURE MASKANDI   is a fiery 13-part studio based, insert driven variety show. Set to introduce the viewers to the backstories and music of new entrants into the Maskandi Music space, the show aims to not only showcase but celebrate artists who have fused traditional Maskandi music with a fresh contemporary sound. Produced by Trace Studios, South Africa, the show launches in Octob

SHEKHINAH A PART OF POWERHOUSE FEMALE PANEL AT 'THE IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC VIDEOS' VIRTUAL EVENT In a further step forward in promoting gender parity and women’s visibility in music in South Africa, Women in Music South Africa and TRACE signed a multi-faceted partnership deal this month. The partnership will see both organisations collaborating on a number of events and projects, the first of these being ‘ The Importance of Music Videos’   event taking place next Tuesday, 6th July at 6:30pm. A powerhouse panel of music experts and industry players will unpack this topic. These include award winning singer / songwriter Shekhinah, filmmaker / director Zandile Tisani and Nomvula Sibeko and Vangile Msimang from Trace. The discussion will be hosted by record label exec Ayanda Mnguni.     Registration can be done on the  WIM  website. Finding and building a relationship with a mentor is often cited as the most impactful resource a woman can have to propel her career and is an important

                        Johannesburg, South Africa  – With Africa Day approaching later this month, TRACE Africa today confirmed its new brand direction to increase airplay of the best and freshest Southern African music on the channel.   In a further commitment to remain at the forefront of entertainment trends and movements, TRACE Africa plans to launch a differentiated, memorable and unexpected music experience for their audiences, with an injection of more homegrown hits. The offering: a  brand new tone of voice and direction to be ' t he pulse of Mzansi streets'. And a lot more local music!   Also as a dedication to the celebration of the streets of Mzansi and the launch of the new brand repositioning, TRACE Africa will be hosting their first music takeover this year.   ‘THE TRACE AFRICA TAKE OVER  will take place at the Altitude Beach in Fourways next Saturday, 22 nd  May and will feature some of South Africa’s finest headliners including:   BOITY BLACK MOTION LEMON AND H

This past weekend saw the launch of the  Ayepyep Lockdown Sessions  on   Trace Urban . Brought to life by DJ Sumbody featuring some of your favourite house, amapiano and R&B DJs and artists, bafwethu these chilled Sunday sessions are set to entertain you as we  ‘wind up’   for the week ahead Recorded in the heart of Amapiano movement at DJ Sumbody’s Ayepyep Lifestyle Lounge in Menlyn, these laid back two-hour long sessions will be hosted by Pretoria local, the super talented Lamiez Holworthy. The Show promises to deliver the ideal Sunday setting, you can look forward to performances by SA’s elite talent including Zano, Kaylow, Silly Bean, Donald in Denial and Junior Taurus in the upcoming weeks.                  “Keeping in line with Trace’s on-going commitment to support local talent, the Ayepyep Lockdown Sessions offered  perfect synergy with the channels core mission. Also as the leading afro-urban media and empowerment platform constantly driving fresh and exciting co