The Mzantsi Jazz Awards (MJA) is thrilled to unveil the nominees for the 8th Mzantsi Jazz Awards (MJA), set to dazzle on Saturday, 31 August 2024, at the Soweto Theatre.

The nominations were announced online last night, drawing an impressive crowd of media representatives, musicians, jazz enthusiasts, and business partners.

In 2023, some of the top musicians that were awarded include Siyanqoba Mthethwa, Bokang Ramatlapeng, Victor Masondo, Nobuhle Ashanti, Moreira Chonguica, and Kofifi FM 97.2, amongst others.

The jazz awards will venerate, recognise, and celebrate the rich heritage and contribution of jazz music, jazz artists, radio stations supporting jazz, and jazz clubs/venues in our country and internationally.

The nominees for the 8th Mzantsi Jazz Awards are:

Best Jazz Song: This is a public vote category, and the winner will be decided by public vote. To vote, send a text message: ZaJazz Nominee code (e.g., BS0) to 40439. (R2/SMS) 1 SMS = 1 Vote. NO FREE SMS APPLIES

• Sun Quintet - Makhathini (BS1)
• Benjamin Jeptha - The Ben-Dhlamini Stomp (BS2)
• Retsi Pule - Logic (BS3)
• Kabelo Boy Makhatla - Honesty Is The Key To Authenticity (BS4)
• Sibusiso Mashiloane - Words (BS5)
• Mlungisi Gegana - East To West (BS6)

Best Jazz Album: This is a public vote category, and the winner will be decided by public vote. To vote, send a text message: ZaJazz Nominee code (e.g., BJ0) to 40439. (R2/SMS) 1 SMS = 1 Vote. NO FREE SMS APPLIES

• Sun Quintet - Embrace the Path (BJ1)
• Benjamin Jephta - Born Coloured, Not Born-Free (BJ2)
• Mark Fransman - Solo (BJ3)
• Kujenga - In The Wake (BJ4)
• Chadleigh Gowar - The Love I Know (BJ5)
• Kabelo Boy Mokhatla - The Key To Authenticity (BJ6)
• Sibusiso Mashiloane - Izibongo (BJ7)
• Tutu Puoane - Wrapped in Rhythm Vol. 1 (BJ8)
• NALEDI - Batho (BJ9)
• Mlungisi Gegana - My Time My Space (BJ10)

Best International Jazz Album: This is a public vote category, and the winner will be decided by public vote. To vote, send a text message: ZaJazz Nominee code (e.g., BF0) to 40439. (R2/SMS) 1 SMS = 1 Vote. NO FREE SMS APPLIES

• Tutu Puoane - Wrapped in Rhythm Vol. 1 (BF1)
• Gili Lopes- Algures (BF2)

Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz: This is a public vote category, and the winner will be decided by public vote. To vote, send a text message: ZaJazz Nominee code (e.g., BR0) to 40439. (R2/SMS) 1 SMS = 1 Vote. NO FREE SMS APPLIES

• Kofif FM 97.2 (BR1)
• Alex FM 89.1 (BR2)

Best Jazz Venue/Club: This is a public vote category, and the winner will be decided by public vote. To vote, send a text message: ZaJazz Nominee code (e.g., BC0) to 40439. (R2/SMS) 1 SMS = 1 Vote. NO FREE SMS APPLIES

• Cafe Nextdoor (BC1)
• Chiesa Di Pazzo Lupi (BC2)
• Untitled Basement (BC3)

Best Contemporary Jazz Album: This is a Jury category

• Benjamin Jephta - Born Coloured, not Born-Free
• Kujenga - In The Wake
• Chadleigh Gowar - The Love I Know
• Tutu Puoane - Wrapped In Rhythm, Vol. I
• Mlungisi Gegana - My Time My Space

Best Traditional Jazz Album: This is a Jury category

• Benjamin Jephta - Born Coloured, not Born-Free
• Kujenga - In The Wake
• Chadleigh Gowar - The Love I Know
• Tutu Puoane - Wrapped In Rhythm, Vol. I
• Mlungisi Gegana - My Time My Space

Best Female Jazz Artist: This is a Jury category

• Nkosazana Mashinini
• NALEDI
• Thandeka Dladla
• Sibongile (JCFI Music Ensemble) Buda
• Tutu Puoane

Best Male Jazz Artist: This is a Jury category

• Benjamin Jephta
• Mark Fransman
• Retsi Pule
• Kabelo Boy Mokhatla
• Chadleigh Gowar
• Fanie Dick

Best Newcomer in Jazz: This is a Jury category

• Sun Quintet - Embrace The Path
• NALEDI - Batho
• Kujenga - In The Wake
• Chadleigh Gowar - The Love I Know
• Sizwe Yaze - Zinto Zoobawo
• Thandeka Dladla - Umnikelo
• George Ngobeni - Must walk alone

Best International Jazz Collaboration Album or Song: This is a Jury category

• Benjamin Jephta - Born Coloured, not Born-Free
• NALEDI - P[x]J
• Todd Moultrie Collaborating with Saul Madiope - The Crossover II
• Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers - Gratitude
• Tutu Puoane - Wrapped in Rhythm Vol. 1

• Douyé Youduba - Jazz Liquidation
• It Has To Be Jazz - Matola Matola - Trio Album under It Has To Be Jazz

For interviews, any questions and/or press inquiries may be directed to EMAIL or call Douglas on +27 12 751 7608

Issued by Mzantsi Jazz Awards Company