The highly anticipated Trace Awards 2025 has unveiled its nominees for Song of the Year, with East Africa's Diamond Platnumz representing the region with his hit song "Komasava." This year's competition promises to be a fierce battle between Afrobeats giants, amapiano stars, and rising talents.
Here's a breakdown of some top contenders:
Strong South African showing: South Africa boasts two strong entries: "Jump" by the energetic Tyla, a Grammy award winner, and "Mnike" by Tyler ICU, a famous amapiano anthem.
Global Afrobeats Collaborations: The awards wouldn't be complete without a nod to Afrobeats. This year, we have "Active" by Asake featuring international superstar Travis Scott, and "Higher" by the ever-popular Burna Boy.
A Lone Warrior from East Africa: Diamond Platnumz, Tanzania's musical powerhouse, is the sole East African representative with his catchy song "Komasava."
While predicting a winner is difficult, here are some factors to consider:
Fan Voting Power: Fans hold significant weight (50%) in the final decision through online voting. A passionate fanbase can significantly influence the outcome.
Cultural Impact: The song that resonates most with African music and culture is likely to find favor with voters and the expert jury.
Artist Popularity: Established artists with a large fanbase often have an edge. However, the awards also recognize rising stars, making the race unpredictable.
Why Diamond Platnumz Has a Chance:While facing stiff competition, Diamond Platnumz shouldn't be underestimated. Here's why:
East African Fanbase: He enjoys immense popularity in Tanzania and East Africa, potentially translating to a strong regional voting bloc.
Catchy Song: "Komasava" is a popular and well-received song that could resonate with voters across Africa.
The Verdict: A Tight Race
This year's Trace Awards promises to be a thrilling competition. While some strong contenders exist, the combination of fan votes, cultural impact, and artistic merit will determine the winner. Diamond Platnumz, as the sole East African representative, has a chance to shine with his dedicated fanbase and catchy song.
Who will take home the award? Tune in to the Trace Awards ceremony on February 26th, 2025, in Zanzibar, Tanzania, to find out!
