Acclaimed songwriter, producer, and artist Sean Garrett, famously known as “The Pen”, recently took part in the 2025 TRACE Awards & Summit in Zanzibar, Africa. Recognised for his unparalleled contributions to R&B and hip-hop, Garrett participated as both a panellist and presenter, further solidifying his impact on the global music scene.
With an impressive catalogue of hits, including Usher’s “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris, Beyoncé’s “Check on It” featuring Slim Thug & Bun B, Ciara’s “Goodies” featuring Petey Pablo, and Fergie’s “London Bridge”, Garrett has long been a driving force in shaping contemporary music. His expertise made him an ideal contributor to the TRACE Summit, where he joined leading industry figures to discuss the future of African and Afro-inspired music.
As part of the TRACE Summit, which kicked off on February 24, 2025, Garrett shared his insights during two key panel discussions held on the first day of the event. The first, “The AI Takeover: Will African Producers & Artists Become Irrelevant or Unstoppable?”, examined artificial intelligence’s growing influence in the music industry. He was joined by notable industry professionals, including Vivek Ganesh from ByteDance TikTok and Seven Mosha from Sony Music EA alongside Raj Kulasingam from Dentons and Nigerian singer-songwriter Qing Madi, as they explored the opportunities and challenges AI presents for African artists and producers.
In the second panel, “Breaking the Global Barrier: How to Make More African Artists Global Stars?”, Garrett joined influential figures such as Tanzanian music icon Diamond Platnumz and Brand & Talent Manager for Rema, Sean Okeye, alongside the president of MediaCo Holding Inc., Kudjo Sogadzi, and COO of AFRICORI, Adam Tiran. The discussion focused on strategies to elevate African artists onto the world stage, emphasising global market access, branding, and industry support.
Garrett’s presence at the summit highlighted his deep commitment to fostering international talent and ensuring African artists receive well-deserved global recognition. His participation not only showcased his status as a musical innovator but also reinforced his dedication to shaping the industry’s future.
The TRACE Awards & Summit 2025, which began on February 24, 2025, and runs until February 26, 2025, celebrates excellence in African and Afro-inspired music, bringing together artists and industry leaders from across the globe. Featuring competitors from over 30 countries spanning Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe, the event showcases the richness and diversity of the global music scene.
Even as he continues to create chart-topping music, Sean Garrett remains an influential voice in shaping the industry’s evolution. His role at the TRACE Summit was yet another testament to his enduring impact on the world’s music culture.