South Africa Jazz Awards 2026: All the winners

Mdu Mtshali, Sibusiso Jack Lerole Jnr and Tutu Puoane were among the leading winners at the South Africa Jazz Awards, held at the South African State Theatre on 15 August.

Mtshali won Best Contemporary Jazz Album for Okae Molao, while Lerole Jnr received Best Traditional Jazz Album for Tribute to Jack Lerole. Puoane was named Best Female Jazz Artist, adding further recognition to her established career in South African jazz.

Andile Yenana won Best Male Jazz Artist, while Lindi Ngonelo was named Best Newcomer in Jazz for In a Man's World. Kabelo Boy Mokhatla received Best International Jazz Collaboration Album/Song for Dot Series.

The awards also recognised artists from outside South Africa and the broader African jazz scene. Nigerian-born musician Ola Onabulé won Best International Jazz Album/Artist for It’s Never Over, while Dotun Bankole received Best African Jazz Album/Artist for OLÙGBÀLÀ.

Kabelo El Chen Mogale won Best Jazz Song for ‘Ishoba Labangoma’, while Siyanqoba Mthethwa took Best Jazz Album for Inevitable (Jazz Edition).

The awards also recognised the role of broadcasting in supporting the genre, with Mams Radio 92.9 receiving Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz.

Below is the full list of winners:

Best Contemporary Jazz Album

• Mdu Mtshali

Best Traditional Jazz Album

• Sibusiso Jack Lerole Jnr

Best Female Jazz Artist

• Tutu Puoane

Best Jazz Artist

• Andile Yenana

Best Newcomer in Jazz

• Lindi Ngonelo

Best International Jazz Collaboration Album/Song

• Kabelo Boy Mokhatla

Best International Jazz Album/Artist

• Ola Onabulé

Best Jazz Song

• Kabelo El Chen Mogale

Best African Jazz Album/Artist

• Dotun Bankole – OLÙGBÀLÀ

Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz

• Mams Radio 92.9

Best Jazz Album

• Siyanqoba Mthethwa