Jazz FM Awards: 2026 nominees

The list of nominees for Jazz FM Awards 2026 with PPL and PRS for Music has just been made public, including Ezra Collective, Raye, Mavis Staples, Samara Joy, Emma-Jean Thackray, Omar, Shabaka Hutchings, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Snarky Puppy.

Jazz FM is at the forefront of championing and broadcasting music that has often been hidden in the shadows. One more, their awards will celebrate some of the finest UK and international talent, with a show at KOKO in London on Thursday 16 April 2026.

What is particularly exciting is that the coveted Album Of The Year and UK Jazz Act Of The Year categories will once again be determined by a public vote, with nominees including Ambrose Akinmusire, Fergus McCreadie, Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell, Tyreek McDole, Emma Rawicz, Kokoroko and Tom Skinner.

There will also be some special awards presented on the night and those will be announced in the coming weeks.

Past recipients since the Jazz FM Awards began in 2013 include Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Dame Cleo Laine, Tony Bennett, George Benson, Pat Metheny, The Rolling Stones, Jools Holland, Georgie Fame, and Ahmad Jamal.

One of the jobs that Jazz FM does particularly well is championing some of the newest faces on the scene and that is reflected in the names of the 2026 nominees.

The impressive list of winners over the years is here.

Nick Pitts, Jazz FM and Magic Classical Content Director, said: “The nominees for 2026 perfectly capture the breadth of today’s thriving jazz landscape. In the last year, jazz as an artform has really broken ground and not only continued to innovate in its own creative universe but has also heavily influenced the mainstream music world with the likes of Ezra Collective and RAYE. It’s brilliant that our esteemed judging panel have recognised their talents alongside some of the new and established jazz artists who are making a massive impact across the community. Good luck to them all!”

Jazz FM Awards 2026 with PPL and PRS for Music - Nominees 

Breakthrough Act of the Year 

Donovan Haffner 

Earth-o-Naut 

Poppy Daniels 

International Jazz Act of the Year 

Linda May Han Oh 

Nate Smith 

Samara Joy 

Blues Act of the Year 

Alice Armstrong 

Gary Clark Jr. 

Mavis Staples 

Soul Act of the Year sponsored by Oanda 

Omar 

RAYE 

Young Gun Silver Fox 

Instrumentalist of the Year 

Joe Webb 

Laura Jurd 

Shabaka 

Vocalist of the Year 

Brigitte Beraha 

Marvin Muoneké 

Yazmin Lacey 

The Innovation Award sponsored by Mishcon de Reya 

Emma-Jean Thackray 

Ezra Collective 

Theon Cross 

The Collaboration Award 

Balimaya Project meets Discos Pacifico All-Stars - Calima 

Snarky Puppy and Metropole Orkest - SOMNI 

The Jazz Social and EFG London Jazz Festival 

Album of the Year – PUBLIC VOTE 

Ambrose Akinmusire - honey from a winter stone 

Cécile McLorin Salvant – Oh Snap 

Emma-Jean Thackray - Weirdo 

Fergus McCreadie - The Shieling 

Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell – We Insist 2025! 

Tyreek McDole - Open Up Your Senses 

UK Jazz Act of the Year – PUBLIC VOTE 

Emma Rawicz 

Kokoroko 

Tom Skinner 

The Jazz FM Awards 2026 will take place at KOKO in London on Thursday 16 April