Excitement is building to fever pitch among fans of African and Afro-inspired music as global music authority Trace reveals the first performers in the star-studded lineup for the Trace Awards. African and Afro-inspired musicians from around the globe are set to perform at the spectacular live event.

Among the music stars on the lineup are Davido (Nigeria), Asake (Nigeria), Bamby (French Guiana), Benjamin Dube (South Africa), Black Sherif (Ghana), Blxckie (South Africa), Bruce Melodie (Rwanda), Bwiza (Rwanda), Didi B (Ivory Coast), Dystinct (Morocco), Janet Otieno (Kenya), Josey (Ivory Coast), Kalash (Martinique), Kizz Daniel (Nigeria), Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde), Locko (Cameroon), Mikl (Reunion), Perola (Angola), Plutonio (Mozambique), Princess Lover (Martinique), Ronisia (France), Rutshelle Guillaume (Haïti), Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde), Tayc (France), Terell Elymoor (Mayotte) and  Viviane Chidid (Senegal).  Many more performers will be announced at a later date.

Influential UK-based Afrobeat band, concert headliners and “Best Live” nominees The Compozers are also heading to Kigali as the house band to the Trace Awards. Presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell, a Pernod Ricard brand offering connoisseurs the very best in cognac, the Trace Awards takes place at the BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda on 21 October 2023.  Seven thousand music fans will have the opportunity to experience the live event, which will be presented on a purpose-built stage. For a full list of nominations, please click here.