Sean Garrett “The Pen” Lights Up TRACE Summit: A Visionary at the Heart of African Music’s Global Push

Sean Garrett, the mastermind behind some of the most unforgettable R&B and hip-hop hits, made a major impact at the 2025 TRACE Awards & Summit in Zanzibar, which took place from February 24-26. The event, a celebration of African and Afro-inspired music, brought together artists, industry leaders, and cultural influencers from around the globe.

Garrett’s name is synonymous with breakthrough moments in music. If you’ve ever vibed to a chart-topping hit over the past two decades, you’ve likely felt his influence. He shot to fame with Usher’s electrifying “Yeah!”—a track that not only dominated airwaves but also redefined pop culture. Over the years, his work on hits like Beyoncé’s “Check on It,” Chris Brown’s “Run It!,” Fergie’s “London Bridge,” Nicki Minaj’s “Massive Attack,” Destiny’s Child’s “Soldier,” and Ciara’s “Goodies” has solidified his reputation as one of modern music’s most innovative hitmakers.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Garrett recently executive-produced Summer Walker’s album Still Over It, which made an impressive debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. His ability to evolve with the times while staying true to his roots makes him a standout figure in an ever-changing industry.

At the TRACE Summit, Garrett participated in two dynamic panel discussions. In the first, “The AI Takeover: Will African Producers & Artists Become Irrelevant or Unstoppable?”, Garrett joined industry leaders like Vivek Ganesh, Seven Mosha, and Raj Kulasingam to discuss how AI and emerging technologies are transforming the music industry. The conversation delved into whether these advancements would elevate or challenge the creative influence of African producers and artists.

Garrett’s second panel, “Breaking the Global Barrier: How to Make More African Artists Global Stars?”, featured notable figures like Diamond Platnumz, where they explored strategies to propel African artists onto the global stage. Garrett’s insights and deep understanding of the global music landscape contributed significantly to the dialogue.

Adding to his presence at the summit, Garrett accepted the Album of the Year award on behalf of Diamond Platnumz in a private ceremony, further solidifying his role in global music collaborations.

Sean Garrett’s participation in the TRACE Awards & Summit showcased not only his unmatched contributions to the music industry but also his dedication to fostering cross-cultural collaborations and elevating African talent. His involvement at the event highlighted the power of music as a connector across continents.

Keep an eye on @seangarrettthepen on social media for the latest updates as this groundbreaking event approaches.