In just three weeks, the much-awaited 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards will take place — marking a full decade of celebrating jazz excellence in South Africa and beyond. This week the musical program was confirmed and it promises to be a star studded celebration of Mzantsi Jazz Awards winners from the last 10 years, including Mimi Mtshali (the first ever female winner of the MJA), Thembi Dunjana (multi-award winner who will be travelling from Cape Town especially for the celebration) as well as Bokang Ramatlapeng whose latest album Qalo has also been nominated for this year’s awards. Among the men, Viwe Mkizwana has recently released a project called Black Child and Fanie Dick recently won the SAMA award- winning as well.

It will also be the 1st year that MJA celebrates the best jazz music from around the continent with the Best Africa Jazz Album or Artist award, generously sponsored by PF Music in Nigeria.

The event will take place at the State Theatre in Pretoria on the 15th of August, which is significant in and of itself because the city of Tshwane is a mecca of jazz that has given us legends like Dr Phillip Tabane, Bra Moss Mogale and Bra Vusi Mahlasela amongst many!

The following is a full list of Nominees who will be celebrated on the day:

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

For interviews, any questions and/or press inquiries may be directed to info (@) zajazzawards.co.za or call Douglas at +27 12 751 7608.

Issued by Mzantsi Jazz Awards Company