Over the past decade, the global music landscape has experienced a massive cultural shift. Genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, Reggae, Hip-Hop, and Kizomba have moved from regional styles into dominating forces on global charts. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Shenseea sell out stadiums worldwide. As a result, there is a massive global demand for media platforms that celebrate, document, and broadcast Afro-urban music, lifestyle, and entertainment.
To address this demand, the prominent global media brand Trace launched its dedicated streaming service, TracePlus TV (often operating under the app name TracePlay).
Positioned as the ultimate digital destination for Afro-urban music and culture, TracePlus TV offers users a combination of live television channels, curated audio streams, and on-demand documentaries.
In this comprehensive, 1600-word review, we will evaluate TracePlus TV. We will analyze its catalog of live channels, examine its audio streaming features, review its subscription and pricing models, discuss platform compatibility, and list its pros and cons to see if it is the right streaming platform for your musical tastes.
What is TracePlus TV?
TracePlus TV is a subscription-based video and audio streaming platform owned by Trace Group, a global media network founded in 2003.
While Trace is famous for its linear cable channels (such as Trace Urban, which broadcasts in over 160 countries), the company developed TracePlus TV as an over-the-top (OTT) app to serve digital cord-cutters.
The service consolidates all of Trace’s television networks, digital radio stations, and on-demand movies, documentaries, and concert specials into a single interface. It caters directly to audiences in Africa, Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America who want to stay connected to urban culture.
Core Features and Channel Catalog
TracePlus TV offers a unique hybrid of video, audio, and VOD (Video on Demand) content:
1. Live Music Television Channels
Subscribers gain access to over 25 live Trace TV channels, categorized by musical genre, language, and geographic region. Key channels include:
– Trace Urban: The flagship channel focusing on global Hip-Hop, R&B, and top-charting urban hits.
– Trace Africa: Dedicated to the biggest hits from West, East, Central, and Southern Africa (including Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Coupé-Décalé).
– Trace Mziki: The premier channel for East African music, broadcasting hits in Swahili and local languages.
– Trace Caribbean: Showcasing Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, and Caribbean lifestyle content.
– Trace Gospel: Dedicated to contemporary and traditional gospel music from global artists.
– Trace Toca: Focusing on Afro-Luso rhythms, including Kizomba, Kuduro, and Zouk.
2. Video on Demand (VOD) Catalog
Beyond linear music channels, the platform features a library of on-demand video assets:
– Exclusive Concerts: Full-length live performances and festival sets from leading urban artists.
– Music Documentaries: Behind-the-scenes profiles detailing the history of genres like Amapiano or the careers of legendary musicians.
– Independent Films: Curated movies and short films from African and Caribbean creators that rarely receive global theatrical distribution.
3. Curated Digital Audio Stations
To compete with traditional music apps, TracePlus TV integrates dozens of digital radio stations. These stations are curated by professional DJs and are optimized for specific moods or genres, allowing users to stream background music without video playback.
Subscription Pricing and Billing Plans
TracePlus TV is designed to be affordable, especially when compared to mainstream television bundles.
Here is the standard pricing structure for individual accounts:
| Plan Option | Pricing (USD/Euro Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| TracePlay Monthly | $2.99 – $3.99 / month | Access to 25+ live channels, complete VOD library, audio stations, ad-free, 1 screen |
| TracePlay Annual | $29.99 / year | Saves over 20% compared to monthly billing |
Note: Pricing varies slightly depending on your billing region, reflecting local purchasing power in different African, European, and Caribbean nations.
Legitimate Ways to Access TracePlus TV
If you are looking to explore the Afro-urban library of TracePlus TV before paying for a subscription, there are official ways to access the app:
1. 7-Day Free Trial
TracePlus TV offers a standard 7-day free trial for new users registering through its portal or mobile app. This trial provides complete access to all live TV channels, radio streams, and on-demand movies. You must input billing details to register, but canceling before the 7th day ensures you are not charged.
2. Telecom and Mobile Data Bundles
Trace Group maintains partnerships with major telecommunication companies across Africa and Europe (such as MTN, Orange, Airtel, and Canal+). In many regions, mobile network operators offer specialized “data bundles” that include a complimentary subscription to TracePlay or allow you to pay for your subscription using your mobile phone airtime balance, making it highly accessible in regions with low credit card penetration.
Device Compatibility and App Interface
TracePlus TV features a sleek, dark-themed user interface designed to match its urban branding. The application is highly optimized for mobile devices, reflecting the media habits of its target demographic:
– Mobile Platforms: High-performing apps for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android smartphones.
– Smart TV Systems: Dedicated apps for Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku.
– Web Interface: Accessible via desktop browsers for home viewing.
– Offline Mode: The mobile apps allow users to download select on-demand videos and audio playlists to their device’s storage to save mobile data when traveling.
Pros and Cons of TracePlus TV (TracePlay)
Pros:
- Unrivaled Afro-Urban Focus: The best platform for dedicated streaming of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Caribbean music.
- Comprehensive Channel Catalog: Over 25 live TV feeds in a single app.
- Very Affordable: Billed monthly at under $4.00, making it highly competitive.
- Mobile Airtime Billing: Excellent billing options in regions with low banking penetration.
- Offline Caching: Mobile downloads save mobile data on the go.
Cons:
- Highly Specialized: If you do not listen to urban, African, or Caribbean music genres, the platform has limited appeal.
- Lower Video Resolutions: Due to varying internet infrastructure in target markets, some live feeds stream at 720p rather than full 1080p or 4K.
- Lack of Smart TV App Availability in Some Regions: Depending on your country, the app might not be pre-installed on older smart TV models.
Conclusion
TracePlus TV (TracePlay) is an outstanding, niche streaming platform that delivers tremendous value to fans of Afro-urban music and culture. By consolidating over 25 live television channels, a robust VOD library of documentaries, and curated digital radio stations into an affordable, contract-free app, Trace Group has created a vital hub for global black music.
With highly accessible billing models, mobile carrier bundles, and offline download capabilities, the platform is highly recommended for anyone looking to stay connected to the sounds of Afrobeats, Dancehall, Amapiano, and urban lifestyle culture worldwide.
