The nominees for the sixth edition of Mzantsi Jazz Awards (MJA) have been announced ahead of the presentation ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 26 August.

The awards seek to venerate, recognise and celebrate the rich heritage and contribution of jazz music, jazz artists, radio stations supporting jazz and jazz clubs/venues in the country.

The Best Jazz Album, Best Jazz Song, Best International Jazz Album/Artist and Best Radio Station Playing Jazz categories are open for public voting. To vote, SMS 40439.

Below is the full list of nominees:

Best Jazz. Album

• (BJI) Mthunzi Mvubu – The 1st Gospel


• (BJ2) Siyanqoba Mthethwa – Coming Out


• (BJ3) Mthobisi Mthalane – Mthobisi Mthalane Live at Sagiya Celeb Legends


• (BJ4) Prince Lengoasa – Lockdown Chronicles

Best Jazz Song

• (BSI) Cameron Ward – ‘Mr Masekela’


• (BS2) Bonginkosi Yeko (Dzivha Fundudzi Band) – ‘Shango’


• (BS) Bokang Ramatlapeng – ‘Bana ba Nthabiseng’


• (BS4) Prince Lengoasa – ‘Blues for Papa’


• (BS5) Eldred Schilder – ‘Africa Blue’


• (BS6) Delee Dube – ‘Cherokee’

Best International Jazz Album/Artist

• (BF1) Moreira Chonguiça – Sounds of Peace


• (BF2) Makaya McCraven – In These Times


• (BF3) Kokoroko – Could We Be More


• (BF4) Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Brian Blade – Long Gone

Best Radio Station Playing Jazz

• (BRI) Thetha FM 100.6


• (RR2) Kofifi FM 97.2


• (BR3) ALEX FM 89.1

Best Newcomer In Jazz

• Thapelo Khumisi – ‘Ndege Nzuri’


• Bonginkosi Yeko (Dzivha Fundudzi Band) – ‘Only Keys are Black n White’


• Siyangoba Mthethwa – ‘Themba Lami’


• Pretty Olifant – ‘Fantasy’


• Mercedes Boshego – ‘Apsalom’


• Nobuhle Ashanti – ‘Bait For Steps Forward’

Best Contemporary Jazz Album

• Sonik Citizen and Cape Tone – Introducing Sonik Citizen & Cape Tone


• Amine Dhouibi – Eternity


• The Jazz Catz – Hymn for Africa


• Robin Fassie – Intwasa: The Becoming

Best International Jazz Collaboration Album/Song

• Sandile Masilela – White Festival album


• Robin Fassie – Intwasa: The Becoming

Best Traditional Jazz Album

• Siyangoba Mthethwa – Coming Out


• Mthobisi Mthalane – Mthobisi Mthalane Live at Sagiya Celebrates KZN Jazz Legends


• Prince Lengoasa – Lockdown Chronicles


• Victor Masondo – As Promised


• Eldred Schilder – Tenziah


• Sandile Masilela – White Festival

Best Female Jazz Artist

• Cebile Mthembu – Moya Wami (Song)


• Nobuhle Ashanti – Bait For Steps Forward


• Deelee Dube – Cherokee

Best Male Jazz Artist

• Mthobisi Mthalane


• Prince Lengoasa


• Victor Masondo


• Mthunzi Mubu