Ugandan saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa has added another milestone to his music career after his album New Days earned two nominations at the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards in South Africa.
Katumwa has been nominated in the categories of Best International Jazz Album/Artist and Best African Jazz Album/Artist, placing Uganda among the leading jazz talents being recognised on the continent.
The winners will be announced on August 15, 2026, during an awards ceremony at the Drama Theatre of the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
The nominations follow the growing international recognition of New Days, an album that carries themes of hope, healing and new beginnings. The project highlights Katumwa’s signature Afro-smooth jazz style, blending expressive saxophone melodies with contemporary musical arrangements.
The album also achieved a historic milestone after featuring on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart, making Katumwa one of the African instrumental musicians to gain recognition on the global jazz platform.
In the Best International Jazz Album/Artist category, Katumwa faces competition from acclaimed musicians including British jazz violinist Daniel John Martin, South African vocalist Tutu Puoane and a British-Nigerian soul-jazz singer-songwriter.
For the Best African Jazz Album/Artist category, he will compete against several established jazz artistes, 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.
Fans will have an opportunity to influence the final results through public voting. Supporters can vote for Katumwa by sending “ZaJazz BF2” to (+27) 40439 for the Best International Jazz Album/Artist category and “ZaJazz BA8” to (+27) 40439 for the Best African Jazz Album/Artist category.
The Mzantsi Jazz Awards organisers said nominees are assessed based on creativity, technical excellence, innovation, contribution to jazz, popularity and lasting impact within the music industry.
The 10th edition of the awards will mark a decade of celebrating jazz while placing greater emphasis on promoting African jazz talent.
Speaking about the awards’ vision, organiser Mogezi Makalima said jazz deserved wider recognition for its cultural and artistic contribution.
“We recognise 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,” Makalima said.
Katumwa’s double nomination represents another major achievement for Uganda’s music industry and reinforces his position as one of Africa’s leading jazz ambassadors on the international stage.
