Archives des I Told Them - Trendz Nigeria

The 2025 Trace Awards have been announced with an impressive lineup of African music talents. Nigerian artists lead the charge, receiving recognition across multiple categories. The awards ceremony is set to take place on February 26 in Zanzibar, accompanied by a music summit aimed at celebrating the global impact of African music.

Spotlight on Nigerian Artists

Nigerian stars, including Burna Boy, Rema, Asake, Tems, and Yemi Alade, have been nominated in various categories, highlighting the country’s influence on the global music stage.

In the Song of the Year category, tracks like Asake and Travis Scott’s collaboration, “Active,” Rema and Shallipopi’s “Benin Boys,” and Tems’ “Love Me Jeje” are among the contenders. Burna Boy’s hit “Higher” also makes the list.

Nigerian dominance continues in the Album of the Year category, with Asake’s Lungu Boy, Rema’s HEIS, and Burna Boy’s I Told Them competing against projects by Ghanaian stars such as Amaarae’s Fountain Baby, King Promise’s True to Self, and Stonebwoy’s 5th Dimension.

Key Categories and Nominations

Song of the Year

Tyla – “Jump” (South Africa)
Tyler ICU – “Mnike” (South Africa)
Titom & Yuppe – “Tshwala Bam” (South Africa)
Tamsir x Team Paiya – “Coup du Marteau” (Ivory Coast)
Asake & Travis Scott – “Active” (Nigeria)
Tems – “Love Me Jeje” (Nigeria)
Burna Boy – “Higher” (Nigeria)
Rema & Shallipopi – “Benin Boys” (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz – “Komasawa” (Tanzania)

Album of the Year

Burna Boy – I Told Them (Nigeria)
Asake – Lungu Boy (Nigeria)
Rema – HEIS (Nigeria)
Josey – Vibration Universelle (Ivory Coast)
Amaarae – Fountain Baby (Ghana)
King Promise – True to Self (Ghana)
Stonebwoy – 5th Dimension (Ghana)
Toofan – Stamina (Togo)

Top Performers in Key Categories

Best Collaboration

Nigerian artists continue to shine in collaborative projects, with highlights including:

Titom & Yuppe ft. Burna Boy – “Tshwala Bam (Remix)” (South Africa/Nigeria)
Asake & Wizkid – “MMS” (Nigeria)
Odumodublvck & Black Sherif – “Woto Woto Seasoning” (Nigeria/Ghana)

Best Male Artist

Rema (Nigeria)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
King Promise (Ghana)

Best Female Artist

Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Zuchu (Tanzania)
Simi (Nigeria)

Best Music Video

Asake – “Lonely At The Top” (Nigeria)
Tiwa Savage ft. Asake – “Loaded” (Nigeria)
Rema – “Charm” (Nigeria)

Emerging Talent and Diaspora Impact

Best New Artist

Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Spyro (Nigeria)
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)

Best Artist (Diaspora)

Tems (Nigeria/USA)
Burna Boy (Nigeria/USA)
Tiwa Savage (Nigeria/UK)

Celebrating African Excellence

The 2025 Trace Awards highlight the diversity and richness of African music, with artists from Francophone, Anglophone, and Lusophone regions represented. The inclusion of a music summit promises to further elevate the platform’s role in championing African talent on the global stage.

Album Announcement and Record Label Collaboration
Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy, also known as Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, has officially announced the release of his highly anticipated eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness, slated for 2025. The news was shared by the artist, often referred to as the “African Giant,” on Tuesday.

The album will be a collaborative production effort by Spaceship, Bad Habit, and Atlantic Records, underscoring Burna Boy’s enduring relationship with leading music platforms and labels.

First Single, Bundle by Bundle, Sets the Tone
As part of the album rollout, Burna Boy has already released its first single, Bundle by Bundle. Produced by Telz, the song captures the vibrant energy of late-night Nigerian holiday parties and has been generating buzz in clubs across the country. The track is a testament to Burna Boy’s ability to blend Afrobeats with dynamic party vibes.

Rumors and Milestones: Burna Boy’s Eventful Year
The singer has been teasing the new track during public appearances, including at Nigerian clubs, where he was recently seen with American artist Chloe Bailey, sparking dating rumors.

In April 2025, Burna Boy is also set to headline a performance at the Stade de France, the largest stadium in France, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

A Follow-Up to I Told Them
No Sign of Weakness comes two years after Burna Boy’s last studio album, I Told Them…, a 15-track project that featured collaborations with high-profile artists such as 21 Savage, J. Cole, Seyi Vibez, Byron Messia, and more. The album included hits like Sittin’ on Top of the World (featuring 21 Savage on the remix), City Boys, and the Talibans remix with Byron Messia.

Award Nominations and Global Recognition
Burna Boy continues to solidify his position as one of Nigeria’s top music exports. He was a finalist in the Top Afrobeats Artist category at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards and received a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the upcoming 2025 Grammys for his track Higher.

A Decade of Global Impact
Since bursting onto the music scene with his 2012 hit single Like to Party, Burna Boy’s career has been on an upward trajectory. Despite early challenges in defining his unique genre, his artistry resonated globally, earning him a Grammy Award in 2020. Alongside Wizkid and Davido, Burna Boy remains a leading figure in the international Afrobeats movement.

Anticipation Builds for No Sign of Weakness
As fans eagerly await the release of No Sign of Weakness, Burna Boy’s consistent ability to push musical boundaries and deliver genre-defining projects ensures that this upcoming album will further cement his legacy as a global music icon.

Trendz Nigeria

Tag Archives: I Told Them

Nigerian Stars Dominate 2025 Trace Awards Nominations