African gospel in the spotlight in Zanzibar

Trace Awards 2025: nominated gospel artists, their flagship and performance titles

The 2025 trace Awards celebrate the creativity and impact of African Gospel artists. Among the six nominees in the category “Best Gospel artist”each artist brings a unique style and inspiring messages through their music. Here is an overview of artists in competition:

Artists in competition

1. KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
   • Title :: “God does not fuck”
   • Style : RAP Gospel merging Coupé-Décalé and Christian messages.
   • Statistics : 21 million views on Youtube; 5 million listening on Spotify.
2. Mercy Chinwo (Nigeria)
   • Title :: “Capable God”
   • Particularity : International anthem, very popular in churches.
   • Statistics : 123 million views on Youtube; 100.6K Weekly streams on Spotify.
3. Ada Ehi (Nigeria)
   • Title :: “Only You Jesus” (recovery 2025)
   • Style : Gospel Afrobeat.
   • Statistics : 130 million views on Youtube; 59.2K Weekly streams on Spotify.
4. Spirit of Praise 10 (South Africa)
   • Title :: “Busa Kithi Nkosi” (Live)
   • Style : Powerful choral harmonies.
   • Statistics : 30,000 views on Youtube; 2.4 million listening on Spotify.
5. Bella Kombo (Tanzania)
   • Title :: “Mungu Mmoja” (Ft. Evelyn Wanjiru)
   • Style : Gospel Swahili with traditional rhythms.
   • Statistics : 4.5 million views on Youtube; 2.8 million listening on Spotify.
6. Israel Mbonyi (Rwanda)
   • Title :: “Sikiliza” (Live)
   • Style : Modern Swahili Gospel.
   • Statistics : 2.3 million views on Youtube; 19.1K Weekly streams on Spotify.

Importance of appointments

These appointments illustrate the rise of African gospel, which combines tradition and modernity. With millions of views and listenings, these artists show that their music affects a large audience:

• KS Bloom and Bella Kombo bring a unique voice to urban gospel.
• Mercy Chinwo and Ada Ehi stand out as emblematic figures of the English scene.
• Spirit of Praise 10 and Israel Mbonyi focus on community and introspective messages.

Vote and ceremony

The ceremony will take place in Zanzibar February 24 to 26, 2025. The votes are open until February 15. Fans are encouraged to support their favorite artists by voting on the TraceAwards site.plus.

These distinctions are not only prices, but a celebration of musical diversity and the spiritual impact of African Gospel artists.