The Kenyan music scene was on fire last night as musicians, celebrities, creatives, influencers, business leaders and tastemakers turned out to celebrate the Kenyan nominees who will be honoured at the Trace Awards and Festival in Kigali on October 21, 2023.
The Trace Awards & Festival is presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell.
Nadia Mukami and Janet Otieno were on hand to receive the congratulations of hundreds of people gathered at Nairobi night spot Milan, led by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports & The Arts Ababu Namwamba.
Speaking at the event, Namwamba noted that the time for African music on the world stage had arrived and that the awards were the perfect platform to celebrate our own artists while telling our narrative to the world.
He lauded the two artists for their nomination and Trace for the initiative to celebrate and
recognise African talent.
He further reiterated that all talented persons working hard behind the scenes and showcasing their artistic prowess must be paid for their work.
“This is why as a ministry, we created Talanta Hela. Our industry is ripe for success, and we are glad to have Trace as our partners for this initiative where we can provide value for the youth behind the creative sectors of the economy,” he said.
While receiving their official nomination, the two artists shed light on their incredible music journeys and their appreciation of the award as a badge of honour to their hard work over the years.
“This is a testament to the hard work that goes behind every production, I am happy to be nominated to represent not just my music but the Kenyan entertainment industry and the leaps we have made,” Nadia said, adding that with the support of every Kenyan, this award is already home.
“I thank God for the far He has brought me, the journey has not been easy and alongside my fellow nominee, the very talented Nadia, I am sure our Kenyan industry will shine during the awards,” said Janet who reiterated the fact that with the right support, they can bag both awards.
“We are proud to power an event such as the Trace Awards which not only celebrates but elevates the music and entertainment industries across Africa but in the diaspora as well,” said Esther Muhoro, Pernod Ricard Head of Marketing East Africa.
“We know that our partnership will spur exponential growth and inspire many more to believe in the success of our artistes on a global scale.”
Global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker Trace is to stage the Trace Awards on 21 October 2023 at the BK Arena, Kigali, in a live event & global TV spectacular that celebrates the creativity, talent and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists.
“This is the first ever Trace Awards to be held in Africa and this award will bring together the African continent and diaspora in a celebration of our music and entertainment cultures,” said Danny Mucira, MD Trace Eastern Africa who added that these nominations speak to the hard work and resilience of our Kenyan industry players in seeking out and maintaining excellence.
The Trace Awards highlights the excellence and diversity of Afro-centric music in genres such as Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba.
Competing in 22 award categories are platinum-selling artists from more than thirty countries in Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe. For a full list of nominations, please click here.
Targeted at lovers of African and Afro-inspired music and culture, the Trace Awards will broadcast live on 21 October 2023 on Trace TV, radio, and digital channels and on global streaming platforms, national terrestrial TV, and satellite channels.
The viewership and social interaction is expected to exceed 500 million fans in 190 countries.
To vote for your favorite artist, go to https://trace.plus/awards.
For more information about the Awards, follow Trace on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or TikTok To join the conversation about the awards please use the hashtags #TraceAwardsRwanda2023, #TraceAwardsandFestival and #TraceAwardsTour.