7 Nigerian Artists Who Bagged 2023 Trace Awards

[Asake/The Guardian Nigeria]

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Kigali, Rwanda, was ablaze with the rhythmic sounds of Nigeria on a starry night as the 2023 TRACE Awards unfolded in all its splendor. Amidst the dazzling lights, African music's finest talents gathered to celebrate the best in the industry. This year, Nigerian artists shone brighter than ever, capturing hearts and awards in the heart of East Africa.
The prestigious TRACE Awards, held annually, serve as a testament to the unifying power of music across borders, and this year was no different. The winners of the night, all hailing from Nigeria, showcased the country's musical prowess, earning a well-deserved spot in the limelight.

Davido: Best Male Artist

The ""Best Male"" category is a highly coveted title, and it was the ever-charismatic and immensely talented Davido who clinched the award. Known for his soulful vocals and stage presence that can move mountains, Davido's impact on the African music scene is undeniable. As he accepted his award, the entire audience erupted with applause, celebrating his contributions to the industry.

Rema & Selena Gomez: ""Calm Down"" - Song of the Year

Collaborations in the music industry often bring out the best in artists. Rema, the Nigerian prodigy, partnered with international superstar Selena Gomez to create the enchanting hit, ""Calm Down."" The track resonated with audiences worldwide and was rightfully awarded ""Song of the Year."" Rema's acceptance speech was a testament to the power of cross-cultural music, bringing artists from different continents together to create magic.

Burna Boy: ""Love, Damini"" - Album of the Year
Burna Boy, a household name in the global music industry, secured the ""Album of the Year"" award with his masterpiece, ""Love, Damini."" The album, an exquisite blend of afrobeat and reggae, has been hailed as a cultural and musical landmark, earning critical acclaim. Burna Boy's acceptance speech emphasized the importance of staying true to one's roots and cultural identity in a globalized world.

Rema: Best Global African Artiste

Rema's talent knows no bounds, and his distinctive sound has taken the world by storm. The young artist proudly received the ""Best Global African Artiste"" award, underlining the growing global reach of Nigerian music. Rema's humility and gratitude shone through as he thanked his fans, collaborators, and the African music industry for its constant support.

Davido ft. Musa Keys: ""Unavailable"" - Best Collaboration

The collaboration between Davido and South African sensation Musa Keys resulted in the hit song ""Unavailable."" This infectious track secured the ""Best Collaboration"" award. Davido expressed his admiration for Musa Keys and extended his gratitude to his fans and the African music community.

Yemi Alade: ""Baddie"" - Best Music Video

In the realm of music videos, Yemi Alade's ""Baddie"" stood out as a visually captivating and conceptually rich production. Yemi Alade's dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity was acknowledged as she graciously accepted the ""Best Music Video"" award. Her acceptance speech encouraged fellow artists to explore the power of storytelling through visuals.

Asake: Best Anglophone Artiste Africa

The ""Best Anglophone Artiste Africa"" award went to Asake, a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. His remarkable vocal range and engaging stage presence have earned him recognition across the continent. Asake's acceptance speech emphasized the importance of linguistic diversity in African music and his commitment to celebrating the beauty of the English language.

The 2023 TRACE Awards held in Kigali, Rwanda, was not just a celebration of musical excellence; it was a testament to the power of music to transcend borders and unite cultures. The triumph of Nigerian artists on this international stage reaffirmed Africa's position as a global musical powerhouse. 

These awards served as a reminder that the magic of music knows no boundaries, and when artists unite to create, the world listens, dances, and celebrates the rich tapestry of diverse sounds. Nigeria's presence was undeniable, and the world bore witness to the extraordinary talent that continues to flow from this vibrant country. As the night came to an end, it was clear that African music had claimed its place on the global stage, and the world was eager to hear more.