Friday 13th of June 2025

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: gospel music

Trace Awards & Festival 2023 Nominees Full List

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The 2023 Trace Awards nominees have been revealed in advance of the ceremony, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, in October.

The Trace Awards & Festival, a magnificent new live awards ceremony and festival celebrating the originality, coolness, and confidence of African and Afro-inspired music and culture around the world, will mark the 20th anniversary of global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker Trace.

The Trace Awards & Festival, which shines a global spotlight on artists, creators, businesspeople, and achievers from all over Africa and the African diaspora, will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 20 to 21, 2023, in collaboration with Visit Rwanda and QA Venue Solutions Rwanda, the venue management company of BK Arena.

A 2-day cultural festival intended to engage and inspire music makers and listeners will take place before the 3-hour live, televised, magnificent music extravaganza.
The Trace Awards will be presented in front of 7,500 music superfans, musicians, opinion leaders, style-setters, and influencers from Africa and around the world at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. Performances by the biggest African and Afro-descent artists in the world will take place there.

The Awards will honor artists in a variety of cultural and lifestyle categories while honoring a wide range of musical genres, including Afrobeat, Dancehall, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba.

The campaign will also include a number of build-up activities, an awards tour, celebrations, and screenings across Brazil, the Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and the United States.

The Trace Awards will be broadcast live on Trace channels in more than 180 nations to a global audience of fans of African and Afro-inspired music and culture. Additionally, Trace terrestrial TV partners and satellite stations will broadcast the awards worldwide.

Here is the complete list of 2023 Trace Award nominees.

Best Male
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
K.O (South Africa)
Rema (Nigeria)

Best Female
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Josey (Ivory Coast)
Nadia Mukami (Kenya)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

Song of the Year
“BKBN” – Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)
“People” – Libianca (Cameroon)
“Suavemente” – Soolking (France)
“Encre” Emma’a (Gabon)
“Sugarcane” – Camidoh (Ghana)
“Last Last” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Rush” Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
“Calm Down” – Rema (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa)
“Cough” – Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
“MORTEL 06” – Innoss’B (Ivory Coast)

Best Music Video
“2 Sugar” Wizkid (Nigeria) feat. Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
“Baddie” Yemi Alade (Nigeria) “Kpaflotage” – Suspect 95 (Ivory Coast)
“Loaded” – Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) & Asake (Nigeria)
“Ronda” Blxckie (South Africa)
“Tombolo” – Kalash (Martinique)
“Yatapita” – Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Best Newcomer sponsored by Belaire
Azawi (Uganda)
Krys M (Cameroon)
Libianca (Cameroon)
Nissi (Nigeria)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Pabi Cooper (South Africa)
Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)

Best Collaboration
“Many Ways” – BNXN (Nigeria) with Wizkid (Nigeria)
“Mine” – Show Dem Camp (Nigeria) with Oxlade (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Second Sermon” – Black Sherif (Ghana) with Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa) with Young Stunna (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa)
“Stamina” – Tiwa Savage with Ayra Starr (Nigeria) & Young Jonn (Nigeria)
“Trumpet” – Olamide (Nigeria) with Ckay (Nigeria)
“Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)

Best Artist: UK
Headie One (UK)
Ms Banks (UK)
Stormzy (UK)
Raye (UK)

Best Artist: Caribbean
Admiral T (Guadeloupe)
Bamby (French Guiana)
Kalash (Martinique)
Maureen (Martinique)
Popcaan (Jamaica)
Princess Lover (Martinique)
Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti)
Shenseea (Jamaica)

Best Artist: Indian Ocean
Donovan BTS (Mauritius)
GaEi (Madagascar)
Goulam (Comoros)
Mikl (Reunion)
Sega el (Reunion)
Terell Elymoor (Mayotte)

Best Artist: Brazil
Djonga (Brazil)
Iza (Brazil)
Leo Santana (Brazil)
Ludmilla (Brazil)
Luedji Luna (Brazil)

Best Artist: North Africa
Amira Zouhair (Morocco)
Artmasta (Tunisia)
Dystinct (Morocco)
El Grande Toto (Morocco)
Kader Japonais (Algeria)
Raja Meziane (Algeria)
“DNK”- Aya Nakamura (France)

Best Artist: East Africa
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Khaligraph (Kenya)
Nadia Mukani (Kenya)
Azawi (Uganda)

Album of the Year
“Love Damini” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Maverick” – Kizz Daniel (Nigeria)
“More Love, Less Ego” – Wizkid (Nigeria)
“Timeless” – Davido (Nigeria)
“Work of Art” – Asake (Nigeria)

Best Collaboration
“Mine” – Show Dem Camp (Nigeria) with Oxlade (Nigeria)
“Peru” – Fireboy DML (Nigeria) with Ed Sheeran (UK)
“Second Sermon” – Black Sherif (Ghana) with Burna Boy (Nigeria)
“Sete” – K.O (South Africa) with Young Stunna (South Africa), Blxckie (South Africa)
“Stamina” – Tiwa Savage with Ayra Star(Nigeria) & Young Jonn (Nigeria)
“Trumpet” – Olamide (Nigeria) with Ckay (Nigeria)
“Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)

Best DJ
Danni Gato (Cape Verde)
DJ BDK (Ivory Coast)
DJ Illans (France)
DJ Spinall (Nigeria) Michael Brun (Haiti)
Uncle Waffles (Swaziland)

Best Producer
DJ Maphorisa (South Africa)
Juls (Ghana)
Kabza de Small (South Africa)
Kel-P (Nigeria)
Tamsir (Ivory Coast)
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)

Best Gospel Artist
Benjamin Dube (South Africa)
Janet Otieno (Kenya)
KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
Levixone (Uganda)
Moses Bliss (Nigeria)

Best Live
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Musa Keys (South Africa)
The Compozers (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)

Best Dancer
Robot Boii (South Africa)
Tayc (France)
Uganda Ghetto Kids (Uganda)
Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Zuchu (Tanzania)

Best Artist Africa: Anglophone
Asake (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria) Black Sherif (Ghana)
Davido (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Fireboy DML (Nigeria)

Best Artist Africa: Francophone
Didi B – Ivory Coast
Emma’a (Gabon)
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
KO-C (Cameroon)
Locko (Cameroon)
Serge Beynaud (Ivory Coast)
Viviane Chidid (Senegal)

Best Artist Africa: Lusophone
Gerilson Insrael (Angola)
Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
Perola (Angola)
Plutonio (Mozambique)
Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde)

Best Artist: Rwanda
Ariel Wayz (Rwanda)
Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Bwiza (Rwanda)
Chriss Eazy (Rwanda)
Kenny Sol (Rwanda)

Best Artist: France & Belgium
Aya Nakamura (France)
Booba (France)
Nihno (France)
Ronisia (France)
Soolking (France)
Tayc (France)

Best Artist: UK
Central Cee (UK)
Headie One (UK)
Ms Banks (UK)
Raye (UK)
Stormzy (UK)

The Trace Awards included performances by approximately 50 African and Afro-inspired artists from around the world, including Davido, Yemi Alade, Mr. Eazi, and Diamond Platnumz.

The Trace Awards are a new award franchise created by Trace, a global TV and multimedia platform. The purpose of the awards is to recognize African and Afro-influenced musicians from Africa and around the African diaspora.

Content courtesy of Not Just Ok, Rwanda Convention Bureau & NFH Digital Team

Greatest Gospel Stars From Kenya Appear In New Reality Show Coming To Maisha Magic Plus Dubbed “Oh! Sister”

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

They are Kenya’s gospel megastars and are frequently in the public eye, but never in such a way.

With the new reality series Oh! Sister, Maisha Magic Plus is pleased to share with viewers an inside look at the lives of seven music stars. On Friday, April 7, 2023, at 8:00 p.m., it makes its debut.


During this year’s content showcase, MultiChoice Kenya managing director Nancy Matimu announced the show’s debut, saying: “Maisha Magic Plus offers excellent entertainment value on both the DStv and GOtv platforms. We take pride in investing in local content and presenting excellent, authentic Kenyan tales written by our people for our people as Multichoice Kenya in cooperation with M-Net.

“We’re delighted about the new reality program concept coming to the channel,” said MultiChoice Kenya’s content marketing manager. We take pride in adapting to our audiences’ demands and regularly evaluate our viewership. Oh! For a unique Friday night prime-time slot, Sister will deliver high-quality entertainment.

On Oh! Sister, these women will let viewers into their lives:

Linet Munyali alias Size 8

With nearly 3 million followers on Instagram, she’s the true definition of a celebrity. But behind the fame and the headlines lies a woman who puts family first. Her husband Samuel Muraya aka DJ Mo will also appear on the show.

Millicent Wambui alias Milly WaJesus

One of the leading names in Kenyan entertainment, she has over 1m followers on Instagram. Family is everything to the wife and mother of two. Joining her will be her husband, Peter Kabi aka Kabi WaJesus.

Bernice Nduku alias Lady Bee

Having turned her life around by overcoming addiction, the singer and songwriter is a dedicated mother and devout Christian. She has over 200k followers on Instagram.

Veronica Mushana alias Nicah The Queen

The single mother of two finds strength in her spirituality, which keeps her going despite the pressures of social media. She has almost 200k followers on Instagram.

Beatrice Wanjiku alias Betty Bayo

With over 100k Instagram followers, she has built a name for herself, having come from humble beginnings. She is a remarried mother navigating life with a blended family.

Janet Otieno

The artist and minister are one of the most influential musicians in Kenya. She has almost 100k followers on Instagram and is a well of wisdom who has been married for over 25 years.

Priscilla Ndanu Maina

Makeup artist to the stars, the beauty entrepreneur has almost 23k followers on Instagram. Ambitious and determined, she’s working on building a name for herself in the beauty industry.

Oh! Sister Season 1 debuts on Maisha Magic Plus (DStv Channel 163 and GOtv Supa Channel 8) this Friday, April 7, at 8 p.m.

Enjoy an exclusive inside glimpse into the lives of Kenya’s top gospel artists.

Content courtesy of DSTV, Maisha Magic Plus & NFH

 

Size 8 Reborn New Song Utawale Ft Papa Fred Ngamwaya ( Official Video )

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Gospel singer Size 8 Reborn has released a new jam titled Utawale featuring Papa Freddie Ngamwaya alias Terrence Creative.

The song that was produced by Teddy B was released on Monday, October 25.
In the gospel song Size 8 Reborn, the real name Linet Munyali explains and shows how doing shady activities and indulging in illegal dealings could destroy someone.

“There is a way that seems right to man, but the end brings destruction. Seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness, and the rest shall be added to you.”

Papa Freddie Ngamwaya, born Lawrence Macharia, has been creatively showcasing the wash wash business, which is slang for fake money and laundering.

The comedian has assumed the role of an elusive businessman and is there to help her get rich quickly.

Size 8 Reborn gets wind of the easiest way to get rich and indulges in the illegal business, something that makes her get arrested.

“Having been pronounced not guilty and released from prison, Size 8 Reborn then starts a ministry and the church grew and excelled,” as depicted in the song’s video.

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Size 8 Reborn fans flooded the comments section of the song with praise, the song comes 3 months after she was featured by Willy Paul in his song Lenga.

In the video, the two converse on why Willy Paul left the gospel music industry.

Willy Paul complained that when he called the artiste, she would give her husband Sammy Muraya aka Dj Mo the phone.

Size 8 Reborn is heard advising Willy Paul to quit his ways and go back to God, Terrence Creative has been releasing a thrilling series titled Wash wash business in parts. C

The film which is is in part 3 has been released five days ago, The Ngamwaya phrase originator poses as an extravagant Congolese in the series, with gold jewelry and accessories.

El Shaddai H_art the Band Featuring Cedo Official HD Video 

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

At the Beginning of the Year, H_art the Band announced that contrary to other Years, 2020 is Going to Be ‘A VISUAL YEAR’. Promising their Fans that they were Set and Ready to Release More Visuals than any other Year in their 6 Years in the industry.

Two Weeks ago they set the Ball rolling by Posting on all their social media pages a Poster announcing their First Visual Release of the Year. To the Excitement of their Fans, ‘El Shaddai‘ ft. Cedo, a track from their Maiden album ‘Made In The Streets ‘ that had become an instant Fan Favourite was First in Line.

‘El Shaddai‘ Produced in collaboration with Celebrated Award-Winning Producer Cedric Kadenyi “Cedo“, Visuals Directed by Award Winning African Cinematographer/ Filmmaker ENOS OLIK and Written by H_Art The Band with the help of Singer/Songwriter extraordinaire Benson “Bensoul” Mutua carries with it a heavy message of Hope even in times of Despair.

‘El Shaddai ‘ Visual Release consequently Marks the start of a campaign dubbed ‘ #ItakuwaFine ‘ which means ‘all will be well’. ‘ #ItakuwaFine ‘ campaign coined from lyrics from the song is meant to mostly focus on Mental Health and the importance of saying what you feel as opposed to bottling it in.

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The three Being introverts felt the need to start this campaign to help people like them who don’t have the courage to express how they really Feel. With the World currently going through some turbulent times, Mordecai was quoted saying,

“Through Music, I can Express Myself, Heal Myself and others, Make an impact and ultimately, Touch and Change Lives. This song did this & Much more For me, I hope it does the same for anyone who Hears it during these trying times. “

El Shaddai Credits
Written By : H_Art The Band And Benson “Bensoul” Mutua Music
Produced By : Cedric Kadenyi “Cedo”
Mixed By : Cedric Kadenyi “Cedo”
Mastered By : Eric “Msyox” Musyoka
Guitars By : Isaac Mugunda And Matthew Owegi
Background Vocals By : Dinah Ndombi Ngaliya , Sharon Mutheu Mutinda And Ignatius Ndonji Ouma
Video Directed By Enos Olik
Dressed By : Ok Klassics & Fok Fashion
Executive Producer : H_Art The Band

Content courtesy of H_Art The Band, Cedric Kadenyi “Cedo, Enos Olik & Nairobi fashion hub Digital Team

Nadia Mukami Releases New Single Maombi Official HD Video

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Fast rising Kenyan Vocalist, Nadia Mukami continues to give us the best music as she shares “Maombi ” her 8th studio single and video which is a thanksgiving song.

“Maombi” is an Inspirational thanksgiving song that mostly speaks about her success, mainly attributed to the power of prayer and God’s timing. The music video depicts her self-made, wealthy life and revolves around her growth since she started her musical journey.

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Nadia’s musical style is defined by smooth urban sounds fused with poetry and afro-pop. She has been a poet from high school and thus the rhyme influences in her music. Having started her music career at the age of 17, she drew inspiration from her father who listened to Taarab music collections, as well as music from Tanzanian songstress Ray C.

Nadia Mukami new single “Maombi” was written and composed by Nadia Mukami, audio produced and mastered by Vicky Pon Dis. The video was directed by Deska Torres of Platinumz Pictures.

Content courtesy of Nairobi fashion hub Online Digital Team  

Guardian Angel New Song Mercy Official HD Video

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

The award winning Kenyan gospel artiste and renown dancehall-reggae sensation Guardian Angel has release a new song. titled “Mercy”  He has established dominance and relevance in a slightly challenging space and has managed to remain a household name since his break into the music scene in 2012.

Originally known as Audiphaxad Peter, he has recently just received a Gold Award of the coveted Mdundo Download Awards amongst six other awards last year in both local and international awards including the Groove Awards Artiste of the Year title.

This song coincidentally comes just as he was unveiled, as the Brand Ambassador for Crowned Eagle Safaris. A travel agency based in Nairobi, Kenya that plans tours and travels for clients in Africa, Europe, Dubai and Asia. The official event was held at the Agency’s offices at Krishna Centre, Westlands, where he was welcomed into Crowned Eagle Safaris, Guardian pours his heart out on this redemption song that resonates with what majority of believers go through.

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The singer who also in 2017 was among Taxify Kenya’s brand influencers, expressed his excitement about the new deal. Guardian Angel is obviously having one of his best times, as this deal is coming after he won seven awards last year alone in both local and international awards including the Groove Awards Artiste of the Year title.

Song: Mercy Artist: Guardian Angel
Song Produced by Vicky Pondis (Simba Sound Production)
Video Produced by NF Inc (Nezzoh Monts)

Content Courtesy Of Mdundo & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

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