The 9th Mzantsi Jazz Awards hits the high notes as it wraps up women’s month!

The 9th Mzantsi Jazz awards was a pleasant and vibrant event characterized by great music, enthusiastic winners and great poignant statements from the winners. It was also a celebration that bridged the gap between the young heirs of the South African Jazz form like Rorisang Sechele and Lauren Manning and the elders who have been shaping our kind of music since the fifties.

From the triple centenary celebration of the legacies of Kippie Moeketsi, Ntemi Piliso and Zakes Nkosi- to the lifetime achievement recognition of modern legends like Jonathan Butler and Themba Mkhize and punctuated by spirited performances by Adam Glasser and Sydney Mavundla, both of whom left with an award, it proved to be an exciting and unforgettable night.

"Music won tonight, yet again "Said Dr Mongezi C Makhalima, Founder and Managing Director "If this is not a handing of the baton to the young ones, then where else is that happening?" MoAfrika ‘a Mokgathi was returning once again as MC while Mdu Mtshali pulled together a stellar group of musicians to hold the performances together.

The following were the winners in each category:

• Best Contemporary Jazz Album: Thembi Dunjana - God Bless Ikapa. God Bless Mzantsi
• Best Traditional Jazz Album: Adam Glasser - SA & Beyond
• Best Male Jazz Artist : Sydney Mavundla
• Best Female Jazz Artist: Gabi Motuba
• Best Newcomer in Jazz: Ncesh Nonxishi
• Best International Jazz Collaboration Album or Song: Pilani Bubu - Nay' Indaba
• Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz: Fine Music Radio 101.3 FM
• Best Jazz Song: Fanie Dick - Success is not Final
• Best Jazz Album: Salphina Kadiaka - Champagne

Lifetime Achievement Awards:- Jonathan Butler- Themba Mkhize