When Mzantsi Jazz Awards (MJA) were founded, some never anticipated their growth. They were met with scepticism in certain quarters. Sceptics did not understand Dr Mongezi Makhalima’s vision as founder. He felt Jazz as a genre needed its own awards to show appreciation to those that are involved in its growth. Makhalima was also aware that his long term vision was not going to be an overnight success.

The awards have been held every year without fail, including the difficult years of Covid pandemic where they were live-streamed. The less we speak about Covid and how it negatively affected the entertainment industry (which Jazz is part of) the better. MJA have made an important and indirect contribution to the quality of Jazz aficionados consume through radio, streaming, downloading and live performances. They play a crucial role in raising the bar.

Alex FM

In 2024, they are using the theme “Making Jazz Sexy Again”. Why this particular theme? “We are aiming to instigate the narrative of different ways of interpreting sexy. For different audiences, but all the time hoping to reclaim the sexiness and relevance of Jazz in our everyday lives”, Makhalima told Jazz It Out. While he is happy with what MJA have achieved in the past 7 years, he believes there is still a lot to be done. “More than inspire the music makers, we hope to inspire audiences as well as other stakeholders around the Jazz value chain”, he added.

Soweto Theatre will once again be home to Jazz aficionados as they attend this year’s awards on Saturday 31 August. Event organizers are always challenging themselves to make it better, do more to showcase exuberance of the Jazz idiom in South Africa and by definition in Africa. “The last two years at Soweto Theatre has allowed us to experiment and integrate a lot of musicians, more creative expression idioms like dance, film and poetry”, with a sense of fulfilment. What drives the team is love for music, an increased acceptance and collaboration within the industry. “The enthusiasm is infectious”, as at the ceremony is getting closer.

Enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that MoAfrika’a Mokgathi is making a comeback as an MC at the awards. There will be storytellers as well as award winning Dancers with Jazz. Legendary photographer Siphiwe Mhlambi will be exhibiting his exclusively curated series for the show with his interpretation of this year’s theme “Making Jazz Sexy Again” and two hours plenty of Jazz from some of the best musicians in the continent. Pianist, composer, and arranger Mduduzi Mtshali will again be the musical director at this year’s MJA. As was the case last year, this year’s show starts at 4pm to make it easy for patrons to enjoy the programme and travel back to their homes while the evening is still young.

Thandeka Dladla’s album titled Umnikelo

The 2024 list of nominees is very impressive and showing signs of improvement. Some of the previous nominees are without a doubt ambassadors of MJA in countries they reside in which puts Mzantsi as a country on the global map. These include Gilbert Mathews, Makhaya Ntshoko and Talie Monin. This list will now include some of this year’s nominees such as NALEDI and Kabelo Mokhatla. “Our Jazz was enjoyed overseas when we could not access it during the dark days of apartheid”, Makhalima gave a reminder.

In the Best Jazz Song category, nominees are “Makhathini” by Sun Quintet , “The Ben-Dhlamini Stomp” by Benjamin Jephta, “Logic” by Retsi Pule, “Honesty is The Key To Authenticity” by Kabelo Boy Mokhatla, “Words” by Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane and “East To West” by Mlungisi Gegana. Nominees in the Best Album category include “My Time My Space” by Mlungisi Gegana, “Batho” by NALEDI, “Wrapped in Rhythm Vol.1” by Tutu Puoane, “Izibongo” by Sibusiso Mash Mashiloane, “The Key To Authenticity” by Kabelo Boy Mokhatla, “The Love I Know” by Chadleigh Gowar, “In The Wake” by Kujenga, “Solo” by Mark Fransman, “Born Coloured, Not Born-Free” by Benjamin Jephta and “Embrace the Path” by Sun Quintet.

The Best International Jazz Album category has only two nominees which are “Wrapped in Rhythm Vol.1” by Tutu Puoane and “Agures” by Gili Lopes. Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz category also has two nominees, Kofifi FM and Alex FM. Cafe Next Door, Chiesa Di Pazzo Lupi and Untitled Basement are nominated in Best Jazz Venue/Club category. In the Best Traditional Jazz Album category, the nominees are “The Key to Authenticity” by Kabelo Boy Mokhatla, “DK Avenue” by Jack Lerole Jnr, “My Time My Space” by Mlungisi Gegana and “Look Into Your Future” by Retsi Pule.

Matola by IT HAS TO BE JAZZ

“Born Coloured, not Born-Free” by Benjamin Jephta, “In the Wake” by Kujenga, “The Love I Know” by Chadleigh Gowar, “Wrapped in Rhythm Vol.1” by Tutu Puoane, “My Time My Space” by Mlungisi Gegana are all nominees in the Best Contemporary Jazz Album category. In the Best Female Jazz Artist category, nominees are Nkosazana Mashinini, NALEDI, Thandeka Dladla, Sibongile (JCFI Music Ensemble) Buda and Tutu Puoane. Fanie Dick, Chadleigh Gowar, Kabelo Boy Mokhatla, Retsi Pule, Mark Fransman and Benjamin Jeptha are this year’s nominees in the Best Male Jazz category.

Nominees for the Best Newcomer in Jazz category are “Embrace The Path” by Sun Quintet, “Batho” by NALEDI, “In the Wake” by Kujenga, “The Love I Know” by Chadleigh Gowar, “Zinto Zoobawo” by Sizwe Yaze, “Umnikelo” by Thandeka Dladla and “Must Walk Alone” by George Ngobeni. In the Best International Jazz Collaboration Album or Song category, the nominees are “Born Coloured, not Born-Free” by Benjamin Jephta, “P(x)J” by NALEDI, “The Crossover II” by Todd Moultrie Collaborating with Saul Madlope, “Gratitude” by Bänz Lester & The Rainmakers, “Wrapped in Rhythm Vol.1” by Tutu Puoane, “Jazz Liquidation” by Douye Youduba and “Matola” by It Has To Be Jazz.

Winners in Best Jazz Song, Best Jazz Album, Best International Jazz Album, Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz and Best Jazz Venue/Club are decided by public vote. Winners in the remaining categories are decided by adjudicators. For more information on the voting procedure and information related to the awards, please visit the MJA website www.zajazzawards.co.za or drop them an email at info@zajazzawards.co.za. Like their Facebook Page – Mzantsi Jazz Awards. Follow them on X @ZaJazzAwards and Instagram @zajazzawards.