Kenyan musician Bien has defeated regional heavyweights such as Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Nandy, Marioo, Uganda’s Joshua Baraka, and Ethiopia’s Rophnan to claim the prestigious award at the Trace Awards 2025 on February 26th.
This marks Bien’s first solo award and the first time the award has been presented to a Kenyan artist.
The event brought together some of the biggest stars in the industry to honor the exceptional accomplishments of African artists, producers, and performers.
This year’s ceremony highlighted the continent’s growing global influence, with Afrobeat, Amapiano, and other African music genres taking center stage.
Bien’s past successes with Sauti Sol and his recent achievements as a solo artist have solidified his status as a leading figure in the region and beyond. His album ‘Alusa Why Are You Topless‘, along with its deluxe edition featuring top artists such as Fally Ipupa, Ms Banks, Ayra Starr, Scar Mkadinali, Adekunle Gold, and Prince Indah, has played a significant role in securing the award.
He has also earned a nomination for the 2025 Headies Awards in the same category (Best East African Artist), where he will compete against Diamond Platnumz, Juma Jux, Bruce Melodie, and Azawi.
Below is the full list of winners:
Song of the Year
Titom & Yuppe – ‘Tshwala Bam’ (South Africa)
Album of the Year
Rema – Heis (Nigeria)
Best Collaboration
Tamsir & Team Paiya – ‘Coup du Marteau’ (Ivory Coast)
Best Music Video
Meji Alabi – Rema ‘DND’ (Nigeria)
Best Dancer
Makhadzi (South Africa)
Best DJ
DJ Moh Green – ‘Kelele’ (Algeria)
Best Hip Hop Artist
Didi B (Ivory Coast)
Best Global African Artist
Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)
Best Male Artist
Rema (Nigeria)
Best Female Artist
Tyla (South Africa)
Best Live Performance
Fally Ipupa (DRC)
Best Producer
P.Priime – ‘MMS’ (Nigeria)
Best Gospel Artist
Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
Best Artist Eastern Africa
Bien (Kenya)
Best Artist (Western Africa Anglophone)
Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Best Artist (Southern Africa)
Tyler ICU (South Africa)
Best Artist (Tanzania)
Nandy (Tanzania)