Get Ready to Celebrate with Mzantsi Jazz Awards as They Mark 10 Years!

Mzantsi Jazz Awards Announces Nominees for 10th Annual Celebration!

Pretoria, South Africa – The Mzantsi Jazz Awards (MJA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards, set to take place on Saturday, 15 August 2026 at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.

The nominations were revealed last night during a vibrant online event attended by jazz musicians, radio stations, jazz venues, media, and jazz lovers from across the country and beyond.

The energy was electric as the jazz community came together to celebrate this milestone moment.

In 2025, some of the top musicians that were awarded include Sydney Mavundla, Gabi Motuba, Thembi Dunjana, Adam Glasser, legends like Themba Mkhize, and Jonathan Butler, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

This year, the excitement continues as we mark 10 years of celebrating jazz excellence.

The Mzantsi Jazz Awards shine a light on the rich heritage of jazz music, recognizing the artists, radio stations promoting jazz, and venues that keep jazz alive and thriving in South Africa and internationally.

Nominees for the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards

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., BS?) to 40439. (R2/SMS)

1 SMS = 1 Vote.

FREE SMS DO NOT APPLY

Salphina Kadiaka - Pasopa Driver (BS1)

Wendy Allen Twyford - Ain't No Sunshine (when he's gone) (BS2)

Mdu Mtshali - Okae Molao (BS3)

Lefa Mosea - Unonkala (BS4)

Kabelo El Chen Mogale - iShoba Labangoma (BS5)

Lindi Ngonelo - In a Man's World (BS6)

Wowo Mndau - Spontaneously So (BS7)

Bonginkosi Yeko - Mahayihayi (BS8)

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., BJ?) to 40439. (R2/SMS)

1 SMS = 1 Vote.

FREE SMS DO NOT APPLY

Matshawandile Yenana - Way Out Is In (BJ1)

Kabelo El Chen Mogale - El Chen (The Unfinished Story) (BJ2)

Lindi Ngonelo - In a Man's World (BJ3)

Kabelo Boy Mokhatla - Dot Series (BJ4)

Siyanqoba Mthethwa - Inevitable (jazz edition) (BJ5)

Best African Jazz Album/Artist

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., BA?) to 40439. (R2/SMS)

1 SMS = 1 Vote.

FREE SMS DO NOT APPLY

Berima Amo - Fake Flowers (BA1)

Sibusiso Lerole - Tribute to Jack Lerole (BA2)

Apiwe Bubu - Reflections of a Sound Mind (BA3)

Bonginkosi Innocent Yeko - Xigaza Jazz Vol 1 (BA4)

Kabelo El Chen Mogale - El Chen (The Unfinished Story) (BA5)

Christine Kamau - Wednesday Afternoon (BA6)

Siyanqoba Mthethwa - Inevitable (jazz edition) (BA7)

Isaiah Katumwa - New Days (BA8)

Fanie Sandile Dick - Away from sorrows (BA9)

Dotun Bankole - OLÙGBÀLÀ (BA10)

Ola Onabulé - It's Never Over (BA11)

Best International Jazz Album/Artist

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., BF?) to 40439. (R2/SMS)

1 SMS = 1 Vote.

FREE SMS DO NOT APPLY

Daniel John Martin - Pardon My French (BF1)

Isaiah Katumwa - New Days (BF2)

Tutu Puoane - Wrapped in Rhythm Vol II (BF3)

Ola Onabulé - It's Never Over (BF4)

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., BR?) to 40439. (R2/SMS)

1 SMS = 1 Vote.

FREE SMS DO NOT APPLY

Mams Radio 92.9 (BR1)

Urban Edge Radio (BR2)

Best Contemporary Jazz Album

This is a Jury category

Wendy Allen Twyford - Reimagined

Mdu Mtshali - Okae Molao

Bokang Ramatlapeng - Qalo

Best Traditional Jazz Album

This is a Jury category

Sibusiso Lerole - Tribute to Jack Lerole

Kabelo El Chen Mogale - El Chen (The Unfinished Story)

Mawatla Ledwaba - Ledwaba Ndebele

Bonginkosi Yeko - Xigaza Jazz Vol 1

Best Male Jazz Artist

This is a Jury category

Mdu Mtshali

Sibusiso Lerole

Kabelo El Chen Mogale

Kabelo Boy Mokhatla

Matshawandile Yenana

Bonginkosi Yeko

Best Female Jazz Artist

This is a Jury category

Salphina Kadiaka

Wendy Allen Twyford

Katalia

Lindi Ngonelo

Tutu Puoane

Best Newcomer in Jazz

This is a Jury category

Katalia - Mme Waka

Sanele Mfene - The Age of Knowing - EP

Thapelo Khumisi - City Of Roses

Lindi Ngonelo - In a Man's World

Mawatla Ledwaba - Ledwaba Ndebele

Nokuthula Fundama - Siyaphambili

Best International Jazz Collaboration Album/Song

This is a Jury category

Mdu Mtshali ft. Legendary Eddie Parker - Okae Molao

Kabelo Boy Mokhatla - Dot Series

Event Outlook

This year promises unforgettable performances, heartfelt tributes, and a spectacular evening of music and excellence.