The countdown to the highly anticipated Trace Music Awards 2025 has begun, igniting a wave of excitement across Africa, particularly among the South African nominees who took centre stage this year.
To celebrate the significance of this platform, a star-studded event was held, honouring talented artists ahead of the prestigious awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Zanzibar on February 26, 2025.
The Johannesburg celebration is one of nine pre-awards events being held across Africa, bringing together industry leaders, celebrated artists, media representatives, and influencers for an unforgettable evening of music, networking, and jubilation.
South African musicians recognised for their remarkable contributions to the global Afro music scene included the likes of Tito M & Yuppe, Kamo Mphela, Makhadzi, Dlala Thukzin, De Mthuda, and the acclaimed group Inkabi Zezwe. Their talents continue to inspire and uplift audiences around the globe.
Among the esteemed nominees at the event, was the electrifying duo of Tito M & Yuppe, who have captivated audiences with their hit song, Tshwala Bam.
Speaking exclusively to Saturday Star, the duo reflected on their nominations with heartfelt gratitude: “We feel so grateful to see that people are recognising our hard work. We are just grateful,” they said.
They recounted the overwhelming support they received from family and friends upon learning about their nominations, saying: “They could not believe it; we could not believe it. But now we believe it because it is happening. We can finally accommodate our families and friends because of this song. It is like we are Kasi heroes.”
The duo also reminisced about their moment of joy when international superstar Chris Brown was seen dancing to their smash hit, a highlight that resonated deeply with them.
With over a decade of passion for music, Tito M and Yuppe have promised fans more new music, collaborations, and content to look forward to.
“More music, more collaborations, and more content,” they said.
Another stand-out at the event, Sjava, part of the beloved music group Inkabi Zezwe alongside Big Zulu, shared his thoughts on their recognition in such an esteemed category.
“This means a lot to me because when I looked at the people in the category, many of them I didn’t know, and they are from other countries. That showed me that there are many musicians in the world. To be part of that is something great. Being recognised on the continent is a great thing. So I am so grateful,” he said, emphasising the collective recognition of African talent.
Heightening the excitement of the night, Ifeoma Agu, Group Head of Culture, Influencer, and Advocacy at Diageo Southern, West and Central Africa, spoke of the partnership between Johnnie Walker and the Trace Music Awards.
“At Johnnie Walker, we have become synonymous with being the Afrocentric collaborators in accelerating culture. A critical element of that is music. As the world embraces Afro-culturism, Johnnie Walker, through this partnership, reinforces its role in creating new experiences for the creative economy, celebrating its commitment to championing Africa’s ever-rising talents and inspiring the new generation to push boundaries,” Agu said.
Saturday Star