Honoring a Lifetime Contribution in Jazz - Dr. Jonathan Butler receives a Lifetime Achievement Award

The Mzantsi Jazz Awards, South Africa's premier platform for honoring jazz excellence, proudly announces internationally acclaimed artist Jonathan Butler as the recipient of the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. Butler will be celebrated at the 9th Mzantsi Jazz Awards, proudly hosted by UJ Arts & Culture on 30 August 2025 at the UJ Arts Centre’s Keorapetse William KgositsileTheatre, Kingsway Campus.

Tickets are available via Webtickets: Book Here: https://bit.ly/MJA_9

Legacy Of Jonathan ButlerBorn in Athlone, Cape Town in 1961, Jonathan Butler’s journey is steeped in resilience, genius, and transformation. From a child performer touring by age seven to becoming one of the first black artists played on white South African radio, Butler shattered racial barriers with his groundbreaking single and earned a Sarie Award—South Africa’s highest musical honor at the time.

Butler’s artistry later resonated globally. His 1987 Grammy-nominated hit “Lies” catapulted him onto the international stage. Over the years, he has collaborated with musical greats, contributed to genre-defining tributes like A Twist of Marley, and infused his work with themes of faith, hope, and justice. In 2025, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy from Stellenbosch University—cementing his influence not only as a musician but as a cultural luminary.

Dr. Mongezi C. Makhalima, Founder and Chairperson of the Mzantsi Jazz Awards, shares:

''Jonathan Butler embodies the soul of jazz and the spirit of South Africa. His music is both a witness and a bridge—connecting past struggles with present triumphs. Honoring him is more than a tribute; it’s a celebration of our collective story.''

Spotlight on the MJANow in its ninth year, the Mzantsi Jazz Awards continue to celebrate jazz artists, albums, and institutions that shape South Africa’s soundscape. The 8th Annual Awards held at the Soweto Theatre in 2024 honored legends like Abigail Kubeka and spotlighted artists such as Tutu Puoane.

For media inquiries, interviews, or participation details, please contact the MJA Communications Team