Sean Garrett’s Impact at the 2025 TRACE Awards & Summit in Zanzibar

Renowned producer and songwriter Sean Garrett, widely recognized as “The Pen,” made waves at the 2025 TRACE Awards & Summit in Zanzibar.

Taking to Instagram, he shared his enthusiasm for the event, posting a memorable photo with Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz and Ghanaian artist King Promise. Garrett hailed the summit as an “EPIC” gathering, celebrating the evolution of African and global music.

Held from February 24-26, the three-day summit brought together the most influential voices in Afro-inspired music, reinforcing its increasing presence on the global stage. With a career spanning over two decades, Garrett, who has penned chart-topping hits for industry giants like Usher, Beyoncé, Chris Brown, and Ciara, played a pivotal role throughout the event, bringing both his vast knowledge and passion for shaping the future of music.

Garrett took center stage in several key discussions, including a compelling panel on “The AI Revolution: Will African Artists Be Left Behind or Lead the Way?” There, he engaged with notable industry figures such as Vivek Ganesh, Seven Mosha, and Raj Kulasingam. Additionally, he shared valuable insights in the session “Breaking Global Barriers: How African Artists Can Dominate the World Stage,” alongside Diamond Platnumz, Kudjo Sogadzi, Sean Okeye, and Adam Tiran. His contributions focused on strategies to elevate African music to a worldwide audience.

Beyond discussions, Garrett’s presence underscored his commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation in the industry. His influence at the summit highlighted the importance of bridging African music with the global market and mentoring emerging talent. Reflecting on the event, Garrett described it as more than just an industry gathering—it was a transformative milestone in music.

One of the unexpected highlights of the summit was Garrett’s uncanny resemblance to Tanzanian media personality Omary Tambwe, known as @LilOmmy. Their striking similarity quickly went viral, adding a lighthearted moment to the event while reinforcing the summit’s unifying spirit.

The TRACE Awards & Summit remains a crucial platform for celebrating African and Afro-Caribbean music, culture, and innovation. Garrett’s involvement demonstrated his dedication to expanding the reach of African artists and pushing the boundaries of the global music industry. His contributions left a lasting impression, solidifying his role as a key advocate for the genre’s future.