The Mzansi Jazz Awards (MJA) are back for their 2024 edition, shining a spotlight on the country’s vibrant jazz scene. This year’s awards recognize not only talented musicians, but also the radio stations and venues that keep jazz alive in South Africa.
The public is invited to cast their votes in five categories: Best Jazz Song, Best Jazz Album, Best International Jazz Album/Artist, Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz, and Best Jazz Venue/Club. To participate, simply send an SMS to 40439.
A strong showing in the Best Jazz Album category reveals the depth of local talent. Nominees include Sun Quintet with “Embrace the Path,” Benjamin Jephta’s “Born Coloured, Not Born-Free,” and Mark Fransman’s “Solo.” The full list boasts ten contenders, each vying for recognition for their outstanding work.
International jazz also finds its place at the MJA. Tutu Puoane’s “Wrapped in Rhythm Vol. 1” appears in both the Best Jazz Album and Best International Jazz Album categories.
The dedication of radio stations and venues is crucial for the jazz community. Kofif FM 97.2 and Alex FM 89.1 are among the nominees for Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz, while Cafe Nextdoor, Chiesa Di Pazzo Lupi, and Untitled Basement compete for Best Jazz Venue/Club.
The awards further delve into specific areas of jazz with categories like Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Best Traditional Jazz Album. Additionally, accolades will be presented to Best Female Jazz Artist, Best Male Jazz Artist, and Best Newcomer in Jazz.
For those following the ever-evolving world of jazz collaborations, the Best International Jazz Collaboration Album or Song category promises exciting nominees. Benjamin Jephta’s “Born Coloured, not Born-Free” and NALEDI’s “[P[x]J]” are just a few vying for recognition.
The complete list of nominees across all categories is available on the MJA website. With voting now open, jazz fans have the opportunity to celebrate the musicians, stations, and venues that enrich South Africa’s cultural landscape.
Best Jazz Album
- (BJ1) Sun Quintet – Embrace the Path
- (BJ2) Benjamin Jephta – Born Coloured, Not Born-Free
- (BJ3) Mark Fransman – Solo
- (BJ4) Kujenga – In The Wake
- (BJ5) Chadleigh Gowar – The Love I Know
- (BJ6) Kabelo Boy Mokhatla – The Key To Authenticity
- (BJ7) Sibusiso Mashiloane – Izibongo
- (BJ8) Tutu Puoane – Wrapped in Rhythm Vol. 1
- (BJ9) NALEDI – Batho
- (BJ10) Mlungisi Gegana – My Time My Space
Best International Jazz Album
- (BF1) Tutu Puoane – Wrapped in Rhythm Vol. 1
- (BF2) Gili Lopes – Algures
Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz
- (BR1) Kofif FM 97.2
- (BR2) Alex FM 89.1
Best Jazz Venue/Club
- (BC1) Cafe Nextdoor
- (BC2) Chiesa Di Pazzo Lupi
- (BC3) Untitled Basement
Best Contemporary Jazz Album
- Born Coloured, not Born-Free – Benjamin Jephta
- In The Wake – Kujenga
- The Love I Know – Chadleigh Gowar
- Wrapped In Rhythm, Vol. I – Tutu Puoane
- My Time My Space – Mlungisi Gegana
Best Traditional Jazz Album
- Look Into Your Future – Retsi Pule
- My Time My Space – Mlungisi Gegana
- DK Avenue – Sibusiso Lerole
- The Key To Authenticity – Kabelo Boy Mokhatla
Best Female Jazz Artist
- Nkosazana Mashinini
- NALEDI
- Thandeka Dladla
- Sibongile (JCFI Music Ensemble) Buda
- Tutu Puoane
Best Male Jazz Artist
- Benjamin Jephta
- Mark Fransman
- Retsi Pule
- Kabelo Boy Mokhatla
- Chadleigh Gowar
- Fanie Dick
Best Newcomer in Jazz
- 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
- Born Coloured, not Born-Free – Benjamin Jephta
- P[x]J – NALEDI
- The Crossover II – Todd Moultrie Collaborating with Saul Madiope –
- Gratitude – Bänz Oester & The Rainmakers
- Wrapped in Rhythm Vol. 1 – Tutu Puoane
- Jazz Liquidation – Douyé Youduba
- It Has To Be Jazz – Matola Matola
