South African Stars Dominate the Trace Awards 2025: A Night of African Excellence
The Trace Awards 2025 took place in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, South Africa. It was a historic celebration of African talent, creativity, and musical brilliance. This year’s ceremony, themed “African Excellence: Shaping the Future of Global Music,” saw South African artists dominating the stage. They took home a staggering number of awards.
- South Africa’s Trace Awards 2025 Triumph
- Tyla: The Grammy Winner Continues Her Reign
- Trace Awards 2025
- Makhadzi: The Queen of Dance
- TitoM and Yuppe: The Dynamic Duo
- Full List of South African Winners at the Trace Awards 2025
- A Night of African Unity and Celebration
- What’s Next for South African Music?
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Trace Awards 2025
These achievements solidified their place as leaders in the continent’s ever-evolving music industry. Tyla’s groundbreaking wins set the tone for the night. Makhadzi’s electrifying performance further amplified the celebration. The event was a testament to the unstoppable rise of South African music on the global stage.
South Africa’s Trace Awards 2025 Triumph
The Trace Awards, often dubbed the “African Grammys,” has become the most prestigious music award show on the continent. It celebrates artists who are shaping African music. These artists are also influencing global soundscapes. This year, South Africa emerged as the undeniable powerhouse. Its artists secured wins in multiple categories. These categories include Best Female Artist, Best Collaboration, and Song of the Year.
My high-energy dance moves and powerful vocals were a highlight of the night, reminding everyone why I am often referred to as the Queen of African Dance.
The star-studded event was attended by industry giants, celebrities, and fans from across the globe. It was a dazzling exhibition of African culture, fashion, and music. South Africa’s dominance at the awards showed the country’s rich musical heritage. It also highlighted its ability to innovate and captivate audiences worldwide.
Tyla: The Grammy Winner Continues Her Reign
Tyla, South Africa’s golden girl, added more accolades to her already impressive collection. Fresh off her historic Grammy win earlier this year, Tyla secured the Best Female Artist award. She also won the Song of the Year award at the Trace Awards 2025. Her hit single, “Water,” became a global sensation. The song was praised for its unique blend of amapiano and pop. It showcases South Africa’s ability to create music that resonates across borders.

In her acceptance speech, Tyla expressed her gratitude to her fans. She dedicated her awards to young African artists dreaming of global success. “This is not just my win; this is Africa’s win. We are showing the world that our music matters. Our stories and our voices also matter,” she said. The statement elicited thunderous applause from the audience.
Trace Awards 2025
Category | Winner | Country |
---|---|---|
Best Female Artist | Tyla | South Africa |
Song of the Year | Tyla – “Water” | South Africa |
Best Live Performance | Makhadzi | South Africa |
Best Collaboration | Makhadzi ft. Burna Boy – “Ghanama” | South Africa & Nigeria |
Best Duo/Group | TitoM and Yuppe | South Africa |
Best New Artist | Uncle Waffles | South Africa |
Best Music Video | Focalistic – “Khekheleza” | South Africa |
Best Male Artist | Kabza De Small | South Africa |
Artist of the Year | Burna Boy | Nigeria |
Best Hip-Hop Artist | Nasty C | South Africa |
Best Dancehall Artist | Stonebwoy | Ghana |
Best Traditional Artist | Sauti Sol | Kenya |
Best Gospel Artist | Sinach | Nigeria |
Album of the Year | Black Sherif – “The Villain I Never Was” | Ghana |
Most Streamed Artist | Rema | Nigeria |
Lifetime Achievement | Angelique Kidjo | Benin |
Best Producer | Master KG | South Africa |
Breakthrough Artist | Ayra Starr | Nigeria |
Best Francophone Artist | Dadju | DR Congo/France |
Best Lusophone Artist | Soraia Ramos | Cape Verde |
Best Video Director | Director Kenny | Nigeria |
Makhadzi: The Queen of Dance
Makhadzi, the Limpopo-born sensation, proved once again why she is one of Africa’s most beloved performers. Winning the Best Live Performance award, Makhadzi delivered an electrifying set that had the entire audience on their feet. Her high-energy dance moves captivated everyone. Her powerful vocals were a highlight of the night. They reminded everyone why she is often referred to as the Queen of African Dance.
Besides her performance award, Makhadzi also won the Best Collaboration category. Her hit song “Ghanama” features Nigerian superstar Burna Boy. The track, which seamlessly blends Afrobeat and traditional South African sounds, has been a fan favourite since its release.
TitoM and Yuppe: The Dynamic Duo
The amapiano wave continued to make waves at the Trace Awards, with TitoM and Yuppe winning the Best Duo/Group award. The duo, known for their infectious beats and innovative sound, have been instrumental in popularising amapiano music globally. Their win celebrated South Africa’s contribution to the global music scene. It also acknowledged the genre’s growing influence.
Full List of South African Winners at the Trace Awards 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the South African artists who took home awards at the Trace Awards 2025:
Awards | Artist |
---|---|
Best Female Artist | Tyla |
Song of the Year | Tyla—“Water” |
Best Live Performance | Makhadzi |
Best Collaboration | Makhadzi ft. Burna Boy—Ghanama |
Best Duo/Group | TitoM and Yuppe |
Best New Artist | Uncle Waffles |
Best Music Video | Focalistic—Khekheleza |
Best Male Artist | Kabza De Small |
A Night of African Unity and Celebration
The Trace Awards 2025 was more than just an award show; it was a celebration of African unity and creativity. Artists from across the continent came together to showcase the diversity and richness of African music. From Nigeria’s Burna Boy to Kenya’s Sauti Sol, the event highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines the African music industry.
This is not just my win; this is Africa’s win. We are showing the world that our music, our stories, and our voices matter.
South Africa’s success at the awards was a reminder of the country’s pivotal role in shaping the continent’s cultural landscape. As the night came to a close, the message was clear. African music is not just a trend. It’s a movement. South Africa is at the forefront of this movement.
What’s Next for South African Music?
With the Trace Awards 2025 behind us, the future looks brighter than ever for South African music. Artists like Tyla, Makhadzi, and TitoM are breaking records. They are also opening doors for the next generation of African talent. As the world continues to embrace African sounds, South Africa’s influence is set to grow even further.

The Trace Awards 2025 will be remembered as a milestone in African music history. It was a night when South African stars shone the brightest. This proved once again that the continent is a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Trace Awards 2025
Who won the most awards at the Trace Awards 2025?
South Africa dominated the Trace Awards 2025. Tyla won Best Female Artist and Song of the Year. Makhadzi took home Best Live Performance and Best Collaboration. Other South African winners included Kabza De Small, Uncle Waffles, and Focalistic.
Which country had the most winners at the Trace Awards 2025?
South Africa led with nine awards. Nigeria followed with four wins. These include Artist of the Year (Burna Boy) and Most Streamed Artist (Rema). Ghana and Kenya also secured notable victories.
What was the theme of the Trace Awards 2025?
The 2025 Trace Awards celebrated “African Excellence: Shaping the Future of Global Music.” The event highlighted the continent’s growing influence on the global music scene. It also honoured artists who are redefining African soundscapes.
Who performed at the Trace Awards 2025?
The event featured electrifying performances by Makhadzi, Burna Boy, Tyla, and Sauti Sol, among others. Makhadzi’s high-energy set was a standout moment, earning her the Best Live Performance award.
What does the Trace Awards mean for African music?
The Trace Awards serve as a platform to celebrate and elevate African talent, showcasing the continent’s diversity and creativity. The 2025 edition reinforced Africa’s position as a global music powerhouse, with winners representing 12 countries.