Ugandan jazz legend Isaiah Katumwa is once again proving that world-class music knows no borders after landing two coveted nominations at the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards, Africa’s premier celebration of jazz excellence.
The internationally acclaimed saxophonist has been nominated in the Best International Jazz Album/Artist category for his critically acclaimed album New Days, placing Uganda among the continent’s finest jazz talents. Winners will be unveiled on August 15, 2026, during a star-studded ceremony at the Drama Theatre of the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
For Katumwa, the nomination is more than another accolade—it is the latest chapter in a remarkable career that has transformed him from a Ugandan saxophonist into one of Africa’s most respected ambassadors of jazz.
Released earlier this year, New Days has resonated with audiences through its uplifting themes of hope, healing and new beginnings. Built around Katumwa’s unmistakable Afro-smooth jazz style, the album blends rich saxophone melodies with contemporary arrangements that speak to both seasoned jazz lovers and a new generation of listeners.
The project has already made international waves after breaking onto the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart, a rare feat for an African instrumentalist and a milestone that further cemented Katumwa’s place on the global jazz stage.
The road to victory, however, will be anything but easy.
Katumwa will battle for the Best International Jazz Album/Artist title against an elite field that includes celebrated British jazz violinist Daniel John Martin, acclaimed South African vocalist Tutu Puoane, and a British-Nigerian soul-jazz singer-songwriter, making the category one of the most fiercely contested at this year’s awards.
Adding to Uganda’s excitement, New Days has also secured a second nomination in the Best African Jazz Album/Artist category, where Katumwa will compete alongside some of the continent’s most accomplished musicians, including Christine Kamau, Dotun Bankole, Ola Onabulé, Berima Amo, Apiwe Bubu, Sibusiso Lerole, Siyangoba Mthethwa, Bonginkosi Innocent Yeko, Kabelo El Chen Mogale, and Fanie Sandile Dick.
Both categories will be decided by public vote, giving jazz fans across Africa an opportunity to help crown this year’s winners. Supporters can vote for Katumwa by sending “ZaJazz BF2” to (+27) 40439 in the Best International Jazz Album/Artist category and “ZaJazz BA8” to (+27) 40439 in the Best African Jazz Album/Artist category.
Organisers say nominees are judged on more than commercial success. Creativity, technical brilliance, innovation, contribution to jazz, popularity within their fan base and longevity all play a key role in identifying Africa’s outstanding jazz artists.
This year’s ceremony carries added prestige as the Mzantsi Jazz Awards celebrate their 10th anniversary. The milestone edition ushers in a bold new era with an expanded programme, the launch of a continent-wide African jazz category and a move to the iconic South African State Theatre—signalling the awards’ growing influence across Africa’s music industry.
Speaking about the vision behind the awards, organiser Mogezi Makalima said jazz deserves greater recognition within Africa’s evolving music landscape.
“We recognize the role of jazz music as a genre that deserves special attention in the evolving South African music industry. The purpose is to celebrate, appreciate and venerate jazz as a musical form that not only entertains but also uplifts and heals the artist and the listener alike.”
For Uganda, Katumwa’s double nomination is more than personal recognition—it is a celebration of the country’s growing footprint on the international music scene. As the countdown to Pretoria begins, the acclaimed saxophonist carries not only the hopes of Uganda’s jazz community but also the pride of East Africa onto one of the continent’s biggest jazz stages.
