Atlanta’s acclaimed songwriter, producer, and artist Sean Garrett, widely known as “The Pen,” is set to make a major impact at the 2025 TRACE Awards & Summit in Zanzibar, Africa. Recognized for shaping the sound of contemporary R&B and hip-hop, Garrett will serve as both a panelist and presenter at the prestigious global event.
Garrett’s influence in the music industry is undeniable. He first gained widespread recognition with Usher’s smash hit Yeah!, a chart-topping anthem that helped launch his career as a premier hitmaker. Since then, he has been the creative force behind numerous iconic tracks, including Massive Attack by Nicki Minaj, Check on It by Beyoncé, Run It! by Chris Brown, London Bridge by Fergie, Soldier by Destiny’s Child, and Goodies by Ciara.
Beyond his long list of chart-topping hits, Garrett has remained a key innovator in contemporary R&B. His work as executive producer on Summer Walker’s Still Over It album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, further cemented his reputation as a modern R&B maestro.
A four-time Grammy nominee, Garrett’s ability to craft timeless melodies and infectious hooks has led to collaborations with industry heavyweights like Ludacris on What Them Girls Like and Mario on Break Up. His contributions have propelled numerous artists to the top of the charts, solidifying his legacy as one of the industry’s most influential songwriters and producers.
Garrett’s participation in the TRACE Awards & Summit underscores his deep connection to the international music scene. The annual event, hosted by TRACE, celebrates African and Afro-inspired music, bringing together artists, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss the evolution of music and its global influence.
As part of the summit, Garrett will join two high-profile panel discussions. The first, titled “The AI Takeover: Will African Producers & Artists Become Irrelevant or Unstoppable?” will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the music industry and its impact on African talent. Featured panelists include Vivek Ganesh from ByteDance-TikTok, Seven Mosha from Sony Music EA, and Raj Kulasingam, Senior Counsel at Dentons.
The second panel, “Breaking the Global Barrier: How to Make More African Artists Global Stars?” will focus on strategies to elevate African artists to international stardom. Garrett will be joined by Diamond Platnumz, a Tanzanian artist; Kudjo Sogadzi, President of Mediaco Holding Inc.; Sean Okeye, Brand & Talent Manager for Rema; and Adam Tiran, COO of Africon.
The TRACE Awards & Summit 2025, taking place from February 24-26 in Zanzibar, is a premier global event that honors excellence in African and Afro-inspired music. With artists from over 30 countries across Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe competing in 24 categories, the event is a testament to the genre’s expanding global reach.
Whether behind the scenes in the studio or taking the stage as a presenter and panelist, Sean Garrett remains a pivotal force in today’s music industry. His participation in the summit highlights his ongoing dedication to fostering talent, pushing creative boundaries, and amplifying the voices of artists worldwide.
To stay connected, follow Sean Garrett on social media at @seangarrettthepen.
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