Mwinyi commits to support arts as TRACE Awards festival kicks off
ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Ali Mwinyi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting artists, recognising their vital role in promoting tourism, investment and cultural heritage within communities.
He made this statement while officially opening the TRACE Awards Music Festival 2025, hosted at ‘The Mora Hotel’ in Matemwe, a coastal village in the North Unguja Region.
President Mwinyi emphasised the power of music to unite society, noting that it is not only an essential tool for economic growth and innovation but also helps nurture young talent in the arts industry.
He urged organisers and festival participants to “not only enjoy the music but also use the platform to foster collaboration, unity and strong relationships among artists.”
Commending the TRACE Awards organisation for choosing Zanzibar as the event’s host for the first time, President Mwinyi highlighted the festival’s potential to boost Zanzibar’s global visibility, enhance tourism and unlock investment and cultural opportunities.
He also praised the efforts of sponsors and stakeholders in making the festival a success, assuring that the government will continue to create a conducive environment for the creative industry, focusing on developing young talents, expanding employment opportunities and preserving cultural heritage.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Mudrik Ramadhani Soraga, explained that the festival (taking place from February 24 to 26, 2025) aims to promote Zanzibar as a world-class tourist destination, expecting to attract about 3,000 guests from across the globe.
“For the first time, the festival will feature Bongo Flava music, offering a significant platform for Tanzanian artists to showcase their talents to an international audience,” Soraga added.
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He further revealed that the festival will gain visibility on major international media outlets like CNN and BBC, reaching millions of viewers worldwide.
The 2025 TRACE Awards will feature performances from some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Nigerian artists Rema and Yemi Alade, Tanzanian musicians Diamond Platnumz, Alikiba, Zuchu, Marioo and Nandy, along with Congolese sensations Fally Ipupa, Innoss’B and Gaz Mawete.
South African Amapiano duo Titom & Yuppe, Kenyan artist Bien and Senegal’s Wally Seck will also take the stage, alongside Ivory Coast’s Didi B, Josey, Tamsir, KS Bloom, Team Paiya, HIMRA and Nigerian talents King Promise, Qing Madi and producer P Priime.
International artists, including Joé Dwet Filé (France/Haiti), Nesly (Martinique/French Guiana), Barth (Réunion Island), Kenny Haiti (Haiti), and Joshua Baraka (Uganda), will also grace the stage.
Tanzania will be strongly represented by multiple homegrown artists, with the awards set to highlight Africa’s thriving music scene while providing a platform for artists to reach a global audience.
The British Afrobeat group The Compozers has been announced as the official house band for the ceremony, promising an electrifying musical experience.
The choreography for the event will be led by British-Rwandan dancer and choreographer Sherrie Silver, renowned for her work on Childish Gambino’s award-winning “This Is America” music video.
