In a bold and defining move for the future of local entertainment, Trace, in partnership with Canal+ and MultiChoice, has officially reimagined one of its most recognisable channels.
TRACE AFRICA is now TRACE NGOMA.
And this is more than a name change — it’s a cultural statement.
A CHANNEL REBORN IN THE HEARTBEAT OF SOUTH AFRICA
Launched on 18 December 2025 at 15:00 CAT on DStv Channel 326, TRACE NGOMA signals a powerful shift toward hyper-local storytelling, placing South African music, language, and identity at the centre of the screen.
Rooted in the meaning of “Ngoma” — drumbeat, celebration, unity, and heritage — the channel becomes a living, breathing reflection of the country’s cultural rhythm.
From amapiano to Afro-pop, maskandi to hip-hop, gqom to lemkompo, and urban gospel, TRACE NGOMA curates a soundscape that doesn’t just entertain — it represents.
OUR VOICES. OUR CULTURE. OUR SCREEN.
At its core, TRACE NGOMA is about connection.
It’s about seeing yourself on screen. Hearing your language. Feeling your story.
According to Willington Ngwepe, the rebrand aligns with a deeper mission: delivering content that reflects the lived experiences of South Africans — authentically and unapologetically.
And that authenticity is what sets TRACE NGOMA apart.
This is no longer a broad pan-African offering.
This is South Africa, fully amplified.
WHERE MUSIC MEETS IDENTITY
For Olivier Laouchez, TRACE NGOMA represents something deeper than programming:
A space where music becomes identity, and identity becomes community.
Here, young audiences are not just viewers — they are participants in a cultural movement that celebrates who they are, where they come from, and where they’re going.
A PLATFORM FOR LOCAL STORIES, LOCAL STARS
TRACE NGOMA’s expanded content slate is a celebration of South African creativity in all its forms.
Viewers can expect a dynamic mix of:
- Genre-driven shows like Amapiano Plz, Maskandi Vibes, Ke Hip Hop Dawg! and Lekompo Fela
- Countdown formats like Top 10 Afropop
- Live performances and DJ sets including House of Trace and TRACE Live
- Docu-stories such as The Booth and On The Come Up with Sipho Magosha
- Presenter-led shows like New Music Friday and The Bloc
- Faith-inspired content including Gospel Kickstarter
Each programme is carefully curated to spotlight rising stars, honour established legends, and highlight grassroots movements that often go unseen in mainstream media.
A CHANNEL THAT DOES MORE THAN ENTERTAIN
TRACE NGOMA doesn’t just play music.
It documents a generation.
It captures the evolution of sound, the power of language, and the energy of communities shaping South Africa’s cultural future in real time.
By elevating underrepresented voices and celebrating diverse musical expressions, the channel becomes a platform where culture is not only consumed — it is preserved and propelled forward.
THE FUTURE IS LOCAL — AND IT’S LOUD
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: audiences are no longer satisfied with generic content.
They want relevance.
They want representation.
They want authenticity.
TRACE NGOMA delivers all three — and more.
FINAL WORD
This rebrand is not just about what viewers will watch.
It’s about what they will feel.
Because when the drumbeat changes…
so does the story.
🔥 TRACE NGOMA — Our Voices. Our Culture.
