MUSIC CHANNEL TRACE AFRICA REBRANDS TO TRACE NGOMA
TRACE AFRICA to TRACE NGOMA
The New Home of South African Music and Culture on DStv Channel 326**
Johannesburg, South Africa (02 December 2025) – As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance our customers’ viewing experience and deliver content that resonates deeply with local audiences, Trace together with Canal + and MultiChoice are proud to announce the rebrand of TRACE AFRICA to TRACE NGOMA this December.
Deeply rooted in the heartbeat of South Africa, TRACE NGOMA celebrates the rhythms, voices, and stories that define the nation’s cultural identity. The channel showcases homegrown sounds – from amapiano and Afro-pop to maskandi, hip-hop, gqom, lemkompo and urban gospel — bringing viewers closer to the artists, languages and cultural movements shaping today’s music landscape. Set to launch on the 18th of December 2025, at 15h00 CAT on DStv Channel 326.
A CHANNEL THAT SPEAKS SOUTH AFRICA’S AFRICA LANGUAGE
Reflecting the meaning of “Ngoma” – drumbeat, celebration, unity and heritage – the rebrand strengthens our connection with South African audiences by offering content that mirrors their sound, their languages and their lived experiences.
“Our customers want to see themselves reflected on screen – their music, their languages, their culture. 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.” affirmed Willington Ngwepe, CEO at MultiChoice, the broadcasting service licensee entity.
TRACE’S COMMITMENT TO LOCAL MUSIC CULTURE
With an expanded slate of programmes and renewed local focus, TRACE NGOMA will spotlight rising talent, honour genre legends, and highlight grassroots cultural movements across the country.
Olivier Laouchez, Co Founder & CEO Trace added “TRACE NGOMA is where music meets identity. 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 will feature a broad selection of locally curated shows, including:
- Amapiano plz
- Maskandi Vibes
- Ke Hip Hop Dawg!
- Lekompo Fela
- Top 10 Afropop
Live performances, DJ sets, docu-stories, and faith-inspired formats such as Gospel Kickstarter.
TRACE NGOMA officially launches 18 December 2025 at 15h00 CAT on DStv Channel 326. Customers will continue to enjoy the best in local entertainment, now with even greater cultural relevance.
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FAQs
What is TRACE NGOMA?
TRACE Ngoma is a South African music and culture channel spotlighting rhythm-driven genres including amapiano, Afro-pop, maskandi, hip-hop, gqom, gospel, lemkompo and more.
Tagline: Our Voices, Our Culture.
Why is TRACE AFRICA rebranding to TRACE NGOMA?
To strengthen the connection with South African audiences by offering programming that reflects their identity and lived experience. TRACE Ngoma provides culturally relevant content in local languages, rather than a broad pan-African approach.
Which DStv channel will TRACE NGOMA appear on?
TRACE Ngoma will remain on DStv Channel 326.
When does the rebrand take effect?
TRACE NGOMA officially launches on 18 December 2025.
What content will TRACE NGOMA feature?
A wide range of locally driven shows including:
Genre and language-based music playlists
DJ sets and performance shows (House of Trace, TRACE Live)
Presenter-led formats (New Music Friday, The Bloc)
Artist and producer docu-stories (The Booth, On The Come Up with Sipho Magosha)
Faith-influenced and traditional showcases (Gospel Kickstarter)
What makes TRACE NGOMA different?
TRACE NGOMA is proudly local. It elevates South African languages, cultural movements and artists often underrepresented in mainstream media — offering audiences a channel that truly reflects who they are.
