TRACE Ngoma: DStv Channel 326, Shows, Music and What to Know
TRACE Africa is now TRACE Ngoma — a South African music and culture channel built around amapiano, maskandi, hip-hop, gqom, gospel, lekompo and the sounds shaping Mzansi.
Last updated: 22 September 2026
TRACE Ngoma has officially replaced TRACE Africa on DStv Channel 326, transforming the channel’s identity around South African music, culture and local storytelling.
The rebrand launched on 18 December 2025, with TRACE positioning Ngoma as a channel focused more directly on South African artists, languages, genres and cultural movements.
Almost a year into the new identity, TRACE Ngoma has become part of DStv’s changing music offering and remains available on Channel 326. DStv currently describes the channel as a South African music and culture destination covering genres including amapiano, Afropop, maskandi, hip-hop, gospel, gqom and lekompo.
What Is TRACE Ngoma?
TRACE Ngoma is the South African music and culture channel formerly known as TRACE Africa.
The word “Ngoma” is associated with drumbeat, celebration, unity and heritage, reflecting the channel’s focus on the sounds and cultural identities coming out of South Africa.
Rather than positioning itself around a broad continental music offering, TRACE Ngoma puts South African music and cultural expression at the centre of its programming.
Its catalogue spans amapiano, Afro-pop, maskandi, hip-hop, gqom, lekompo and urban gospel, alongside artist interviews, performances and original programming.
What Channel Is TRACE Ngoma On?
TRACE Ngoma is on DStv Channel 326.
The channel has retained Channel 326 following the transition from TRACE Africa to TRACE Ngoma. DStv’s current channel guide lists TRACE Ngoma at 326.
TRACE Ngoma and the New DStv Packages
The channel has become particularly relevant following DStv’s package changes in 2026.
At the beginning of 2026, DStv added TRACE Ngoma, TRACE Gospel and WWE to its entry-level Access package as permanent additions.
DStv subsequently introduced a new package structure from 17 September 2026, with subscribers automatically migrated to new packages. The former Access package became Select, while the former Starter package became Access.
TRACE Ngoma remains part of DStv’s current music offering, alongside channels such as TRACE Urban, Channel O and Sound City.
What Music Does TRACE Ngoma Play?
TRACE Ngoma focuses heavily on South African music and genres including:
- Amapiano
- Afro-pop
- Maskandi
- Hip-hop
- Gqom
- Lekompo
- Urban gospel
The channel also uses music programming to highlight artists, producers and emerging movements from across South Africa.
That gives TRACE Ngoma a distinctly local identity while still sitting within TRACE’s wider international music network.
TRACE Ngoma Shows and Programming
The channel’s programming extends beyond music videos.
TRACE Ngoma features live performances, DJ sets, interviews, artist-focused content and documentary-style programming.
Its programming slate has included formats such as:
- Amapiano Plz
- Maskandi Vibes
- Ke Hip Hop Dawg!
- Lekompo Fela
- Top 10 Afropop
- Gospel Kickstarter
- The Booth
- On The Come Up
TRACE’s programming has also continued to bring current South African artists into its studios for interviews and exclusive content.
Recent TRACE Ngoma activity has included conversations with artists such as DJ Maphorisa and Rowlene, as well as exclusive music and The Booth appearances.
TRACE Ngoma Is Putting South African Music at the Centre
The biggest difference between the old TRACE Africa identity and TRACE Ngoma is the emphasis on South African identity.
The channel is built around local sounds, languages and cultural movements rather than simply presenting South Africa as one part of a broader African music catalogue.
That distinction is reflected in DStv’s current description of TRACE Ngoma as a channel celebrating indigenous languages, tribes and cultural expressions.
TRACE has also reported a significant increase in the channel’s audience following the rebrand.
According to TRACE, viewership increased by 1,096% year-on-year, from 892,000 to more than 10.6 million viewers between February 2025 and February 2026. TRACE shared the figures in March 2026 while celebrating the channel’s official launch event in Johannesburg.
Why the TRACE Ngoma Rebrand Matters
TRACE Ngoma arrives at a time when South African music continues to expand across borders.
Amapiano has become a major global export, while genres such as maskandi, gqom and lekompo continue to develop their own audiences and scenes.
The channel’s strategy is therefore less about simply replacing a name and more about creating a television destination that is unmistakably connected to South African music and culture.
For artists, that creates another platform for music videos, interviews, performances and storytelling.
For audiences, it provides a dedicated space for sounds that are already defining contemporary Mzansi culture.
What Happened to TRACE Africa?
TRACE Africa was rebranded as TRACE Ngoma in December 2025.
The channel did not simply disappear from DStv. Instead, TRACE Africa’s Channel 326 position became TRACE Ngoma, with the new identity placing greater emphasis on South African music and culture.
So if you are searching for TRACE Africa on DStv, the channel you are looking for is now TRACE Ngoma on Channel 326.
Is TRACE Ngoma Still on DStv?
Yes.
As of September 2026, TRACE Ngoma remains on DStv Channel 326. It is included in DStv’s current music channel line-up.
TRACE Ngoma Frequently Asked Questions
What channel is TRACE Ngoma on DStv?
TRACE Ngoma is on DStv Channel 326.
What happened to TRACE Africa?
TRACE Africa was rebranded as TRACE Ngoma in December 2025. The channel retained its position on DStv Channel 326.
What music does TRACE Ngoma play?
TRACE Ngoma focuses on South African genres including amapiano, Afro-pop, maskandi, hip-hop, gqom, lekompo and urban gospel.
Is TRACE Ngoma a South African channel?
TRACE Ngoma is specifically positioned as a South African music and culture channel, with programming centred on local artists, genres, languages and cultural expression.
When did TRACE Ngoma launch?
TRACE Ngoma officially launched on 18 December 2025 at 15:00 CAT as the replacement for TRACE Africa.
What shows are on TRACE Ngoma?
Programming includes music and entertainment formats such as Amapiano Plz, Maskandi Vibes, Ke Hip Hop Dawg!, Lekompo Fela, Top 10 Afropop, Gospel Kickstarter, The Booth and other artist-focused content.
Is TRACE Ngoma available on DStv’s cheaper packages?
TRACE Ngoma was added permanently to DStv’s entry-level Access offering at the start of 2026. DStv subsequently changed its package structure in September 2026, so viewers should check the current package channel list for their subscription.
TRACE Ngoma: Our Voices, Our Culture
The TRACE Africa era is over. TRACE Ngoma is now the name attached to Channel 326, with South African music, culture and identity at the centre of the channel.
From amapiano and maskandi to hip-hop, gqom, lekompo and gospel, the channel is built around the sounds shaping contemporary South Africa.
And as DStv continues reshaping its package and channel line-up in 2026, TRACE Ngoma remains one of the dedicated music destinations on the platform.
