Nominees for the 2025 Trace Awards Album of the Year – Africa’s Finest Projects!

The 2025 Trace Awards Album of the Year category features a stunning array of albums that have shaped the African music scene over the past year. Here are the standout nominees:

Amaarae – Fountain Baby ??
Asake – Lungu Boy ??
Burna Boy – I Told Them ??
Josey – Vibration Universelle ??
King Promise – True To Self ??
Rema – HEIS ??
Stonebwoy – 5th Dimension ??
Toofan – Stamina

Who Might Most Likely Win?

Burna Boy – I Told Them

Burna Boy’s I Told Them… is a powerful project that showcases his range and creative depth. Given his international acclaim, this album could very well take the Album of the Year trophy. It’s not only a commercial success but also critically praised for its genre-blending, lyrical brilliance, and global appeal.

Asake – Lungu Boy

Asake’s Lungu Boy has been a force in the Afrobeats scene, with massive chart successes, both locally and internationally. His unique sound, storytelling, and the successful singles that have come from this album make it a strong contender for the top spot.

Rema – HEIS

Rema’s HEIS is an album that has captured a diverse global audience. As one of Afrobeats’ brightest stars, this project reflects Rema’s evolution and ability to blend different genres seamlessly. With hits like “Calm Down” and “Holiday,” this album is sure to be a fan favorite at the Trace Awards.

Amaarae – Fountain Baby

Amaarae’s Fountain Baby has received significant recognition for its innovative sound and her ability to break boundaries within Afropop and R&B. Her distinct voice and artistic vision make this album a standout in the race for Album of the Year.

Stonebwoy – 5th Dimension

Stonebwoy’s 5th Dimension album continues to solidify his reputation as one of the leading artists in reggae and dancehall. His ability to blend traditional and contemporary influences in this album, combined with its global reception, makes it a formidable nominee.

Prediction

While Asake and Rema have made huge waves with their respective albums, Burna Boy’s I Told Them… has the global recognition and critical acclaim that might give it the edge to win Album of the Year at the 2025 Trace Awards. However, with fierce competition from the likes of Amaarae, Stonebwoy, and Rema, the race is wide open!