How It Went Down: CS Namwamba Graces Trace Awards Tour Party [PHOTOS]

The Kenyan music scene was on fire on Thursday night, August 31 as musicians, celebrities, creatives, influencers, business leaders and tastemakers turned out to celebrate the Kenyan nominees who will be honoured at the Trace Awards and Festival in Kigali on October 21, 2023. 

The Trace Awards & Festival is presented by Visit Rwanda and Martell. Musicians Nadia Mukami and Janet Otieno were on hand to receive the congratulations of hundreds of people gathered at Nairobi night spot Milan, led by the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and The Arts, Ababu Namwamba.

Frederic SOULIGNAC Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Kenya and Eastern Africa, Danny Mucira  Managing Director, East Africa, Trace and Esther Muhoro, Head of Marketing, Pernod Ricard Eastern Africa were also present at the event graced by media houses such as Viral Tea.

From left to right: Esther Muhoro, head of marketing Pernod Ricard, Trace award nominee Janet Otieno, CS Ababu Namwamba and Trace EA MD Danny Mucira at the Trace Awards Nominee party on August 31, 2023. /TRACE

Speaking at the event, the CS noted that the time for African music on the world stage had arrived and that the awards were the perfect platform to celebrate our own artists while telling our narrative to the world. 

He lauded the two artists for their nomination and Trace for the initiative to celebrate and recognize African talent, further reiterating that all talented persons working hard behind the scenes and showcasing their artistic prowess must be paid for their work.

“This is why as a ministry, we created Talanta Hela. Our industry is ripe for success, and we are glad to have Trace as our partner for this initiative where we can provide value for the youth behind the creative sectors of the economy," he addressed.

While receiving their official nomination, the two artists shed light on their incredible music journeys and their appreciation of the award as a badge of honour for their hard work over the years. 

“This is a testament to the hard work that goes behind every production, I am happy to be nominated to represent not just my music but the Kenyan entertainment industry and the leaps we have made,” Nadia remarked, adding that with the support of every Kenyan, this award is already home. 

“I thank God for the far He has brought me. The journey has not been easy and alongside my fellow nominee, the very talented Nadia, I am sure our Kenyan industry will shine during the awards,” weighed in Otieno who reiterated the fact that with the right support, they can bag both awards. 

Nadia Mukami and Janet Otieno at the Trace Awards Nominee Party on August 31, 2023. /TRACE

The Kenyan nominees were named on Monday, August 21, alongside giants of the African music scene such as Burna Boy, Diamond Platnumz and Davido. 

“We are proud to power an event such as the Trace Awards which not only celebrates but elevates the music and entertainment industries across Africa but in the diaspora as well," praised Esther Muhoro, Pernod Ricard Head of Marketing, East Africa.

“We know that our  partnership will spur exponential growth and inspire many more to believe in the success  of our artistes on a global scale.” 

Global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker Trace is to stage the Trace Awards at the BK Arena, Kigali, in a live event & global TV spectacular that celebrates the creativity, talent and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists.  

“This is the first-ever Trace Awards to be held in Africa and this award will bring together the African continent and diaspora in a celebration of our music and entertainment cultures,” commented Danny Mucira, MD Trace Eastern Africa who added that these nominations speak to the hard work and resilience of our Kenyan industry players in seeking out and maintaining excellence. 

The Trace Awards highlights the excellence and diversity of Afro-centric music in genres such as Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Coupé  Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba. Competing in  22 award categories are platinum-selling artists from more than thirty countries in  Africa, South America, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Europe.

Targeted at lovers of African and Afro-inspired music and culture, the Trace Awards will broadcast live on Trace TV, radio, and digital channels and on global streaming platforms, national terrestrial TV, and satellite channels. The viewership and social interaction are expected to exceed 500 million fans in 190 countries.

Read more: List Of Nominees For Trace Awards 2023

To vote for your favourite artist, go to https://trace.plus/awards.

More photos from the launch party:

Taio and Calvin Wanguku, official MCs for the Trace Awards Nominee Party on August 31, 2023. /TRACE

Brenda Mukami and Trevor Osiebe from Pernod Ricard. /TRACE

CS Ababu Namwamba with Kenyan artists Nadia Mukami and Janet Otieno who were nominated for the best female artist and best gospel artist respectively at the Trace Awards 2023. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRALTEAKE