Open call: Mzantsi Jazz Awards 2024 entries

The scheme recognises the best of local and international jazz and successful nominees will be announced via the media and the awards’ official website on 28 June.

The awards will consider works produced between 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

“While jazz is at the centre of our struggle for freedom from apartheid led by stalwarts like the late Jonas Gwangwa, Bheki Mseleku and Hugh Masekela, it remains a marginalised art form in South Africa, with challenges like lack of venues to perform and the marginal focus on it in mainstream media,” Mzantsi Jazz Awards founder Mongezi Makhalima said.

“While the purpose of the event was to announce the opening of Season 8 of the MJA, it was also used to reveal a new campaign to be launched around the city called Making Jazz Sexy Again. This is in preparation for the 31 of August 2024 when the eighth Mzantsi Jazz Awards will be staged. The aim is to revive the interest in jazz not just as a musical form but as a cultural norm as it was when people used to go out dressed up for a night of jazz in the city.”

Below are the categories:

• Best Jazz Album
• Best Jazz Song
• Best Contemporary Jazz Album
• Best Traditional Jazz Album
• Best Female Jazz Artist
• Best Male Jazz Artist
• Best International Jazz Album/Artist
• Best International Jazz Collaboration
• Best Newcomer in Jazz
• Best Radio Station promoting Jazz
• Best Jazz Venue/Club

All nomination process enquiries should be directed to Douglas Maximus at nomination@zajazzawards.co.za or on +27 12 751 7608.