TRACE AFRICA Rebrands to TRACE NGOMA
As part of a continued commitment to enhancing viewer experience and delivering culturally resonant content, TRACE, together with Canal+ and MultiChoice, has announced the rebrand of TRACE AFRICA to TRACE NGOMA, effective this December.
The newly branded channel will officially launch on 18 December 2025 at 15h00 CAT on DStv Channel 326, ushering in a sharper, proudly local focus on South African music and culture.
A Channel Rooted in South Africa’s Cultural Heartbeat
Deeply embedded in South Africa’s vibrant creative landscape, TRACE NGOMA celebrates the rhythms, voices and stories that define the nation’s cultural identity. The channel will spotlight homegrown sounds across a wide spectrum of genres, including amapiano, Afro-pop, maskandi, hip-hop, gqom, lekompo, and urban gospel.
By bringing audiences closer to local artists, languages and grassroots movements, TRACE NGOMA aims to reflect the true pulse of South Africa’s evolving music scene.
A Channel That Speaks South Africa’s Language
The name “Ngoma”, meaning drumbeat, celebration, unity and heritage, captures the spirit of the rebrand. It reinforces the channel’s mission to mirror South Africans’ lived experiences through authentic storytelling, sound and language.
“Our customers want to see themselves reflected on screen — their music, their languages, their culture,” said Willington Ngwepe, CEO of MultiChoice, the broadcasting service licensee. “TRACE NGOMA brings that to life in a powerful way. This rebrand aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver meaningful local entertainment that celebrates who we are as South Africans.”
TRACE’s Commitment to Local Music Culture
With an expanded slate of programming and renewed local emphasis, TRACE NGOMA will spotlight emerging talent, honour genre pioneers and showcase cultural movements shaping communities across the country.
“TRACE NGOMA is where music meets identity,” said Olivier Laouchez, Co-Founder & CEO of TRACE. “It amplifies the rhythms and stories that define South African culture and gives young people a space to connect and feel seen.”
Local Shows, Local Talent, Local Stories
TRACE NGOMA’s programming lineup will feature a broad range of locally curated shows, including:
- Amapiano Plz
- Maskandi Vibes
- Ke Hip Hop Dawg!
- Lekompo Fela
- Top 10 Afropop
Viewers can also expect live performances, DJ sets, docu-stories, and faith-inspired formats such as Gospel Kickstarter, offering a holistic reflection of South Africa’s musical and spiritual landscape.