Kabelo El Chen Mogale Leads the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards With Five Nominations

South Africa’s vibrant jazz scene will once again take center stage when the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards are held at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria on 15 August. This year’s awards celebrate the country’s finest jazz musicians, composers and performers who continue to elevate the genre through outstanding recordings and live performances. Leading the nominations is acclaimed jazz artist Kabelo El Chen Mogale, who has emerged as the most recognized nominee after receiving five nominations for his acclaimed album, El Chen (The Unfinished Story). His impressive achievement highlights both his growing influence within the South African jazz community and the strong impact his latest project has made on audiences and critics alike. As excitement builds ahead of the ceremony, the competition promises to showcase the remarkable talent that continues to shape the future of African jazz.

Kabelo El Chen Mogale’s success at this year’s nominations reflects the widespread appreciation for El Chen (The Unfinished Story), an album that has earned praise for its musical depth, creativity and storytelling. The project has secured nominations in the Best Jazz Album, Best African Jazz Album/Artist, Best Traditional Jazz Album and Best Male Jazz Artist categories. In addition to these achievements, Mogale has also received recognition in the Best African Jazz Album/Artist category, giving him a total of five nominations and making him the most nominated artist at this year’s awards. His remarkable showing places him among the leading figures in South African jazz and strengthens his reputation as one of the genre’s most exciting contemporary musicians. The recognition also reflects the growing appreciation for artists who successfully blend traditional influences with modern jazz expression.

One of the most competitive categories this year is Best Jazz Song, where eight talented musicians will compete for public votes. The nominees include Salphina Kadiaka for Pasopa Driver, Wendy Allen Twyford for Ain’t No Sunshine (When He’s Gone), Mdu Mtshali for Okae Molao, Lefa Mosea for Unonkala, Kabelo El Chen Mogale for iShoba Labangoma, Lindi Ngonelo for In a Man’s World, Wowo Mndau for Spontaneously So and Bonginkosi Yeko for Mahayihayi. Each of these songs showcases a different interpretation of jazz, demonstrating the diversity and creativity that define South Africa’s thriving music scene. The inclusion of both established performers and emerging artists highlights the continued growth of the local jazz industry. Fans will have the opportunity to support their favorite artists through public voting, adding an interactive element to the awards.

The Best Jazz Album category also features a strong lineup of outstanding releases that represent some of the year’s finest musical achievements. Competing alongside Mogale’s El Chen (The Unfinished Story) are Matshawandile Yenana’s Way Out Is In, Lindi Ngonelo’s In a Man’s World, Kabelo Boy Mokhatla’s Dot Series and Siyanqoba Mthethwa’s Inevitable (Jazz Edition). Each album reflects a unique artistic vision while contributing to the continued evolution of South African jazz. The category highlights musicians who have demonstrated exceptional skill in composition, performance and production. With such a competitive field, the eventual winner will have earned recognition among some of the country’s most respected jazz artists.

The Best African Jazz Album/Artist category brings together an impressive collection of musicians from across the African continent. Nominees include Berima Amo, Sibusiso Lerole, Apiwe Bubu, Bonginkosi Innocent Yeko, Kabelo El Chen Mogale, Christine Kamau, Siyanqoba Mthethwa, Isaiah Katumwa, Fanie Sandile Dick, Dotun Bankole and Ola Onabulé. The category celebrates artists whose work reflects African musical traditions while embracing contemporary jazz influences. It also highlights the growing international collaboration and cultural exchange taking place within the African jazz community. The diversity of nominees demonstrates the strength and global appeal of African jazz as it continues to reach wider audiences.

International talent is also recognized through the Best International Jazz Album/Artist category, where Daniel John Martin, Isaiah Katumwa, Tutu Puoane and Ola Onabulé have been nominated. Meanwhile, the Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz category acknowledges the important role broadcasters play in supporting and promoting jazz music. This year’s nominees are Mams Radio 92.9 and Urban Edge Radio, both of which have contributed significantly to increasing the visibility of jazz artists and their music. Their efforts help introduce audiences to both emerging and established musicians while preserving the rich heritage of jazz. The recognition of media platforms alongside performers reflects the collaborative effort required to sustain the genre.

Several categories at the Mzantsi Jazz Awards will be decided by a panel of judges rather than public voting. The jury-selected Best Contemporary Jazz Album category features Wendy Allen Twyford’s Reimagined, Mdu Mtshali’s Okae Molao and Bokang Ramatlapeng’s Qalo. The Best Traditional Jazz Album nominees include Sibusiso Lerole’s Tribute to Jack Lerole, Kabelo El Chen Mogale’s El Chen (The Unfinished Story), Mawatla Ledwaba’s Ledwaba Ndebele and Bonginkosi Yeko’s Xigaza Jazz Vol. 1. The Best Male Jazz Artist category includes Mdu Mtshali, Sibusiso Lerole, Kabelo El Chen Mogale, Kabelo Boy Mokhatla, Matshawandile Yenana and Bonginkosi Yeko. These jury categories recognize artistic excellence through expert evaluation, rewarding musicians whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity, musicianship and contribution to jazz.

Public participation remains an important part of this year’s awards, with fans invited to vote in categories including Best Jazz Song, Best Jazz Album, Best African Jazz Album/Artist, Best International Jazz Album/Artist and Best Radio Station Promoting Jazz. Voting is conducted by SMS, with supporters sending the appropriate nominee code to 40439 at a cost of R2 per vote. This system allows audiences to directly influence the outcome of several prestigious awards while showing support for their favorite artists. It also strengthens the connection between musicians and their fans by encouraging active participation in celebrating South African jazz. As voting continues, artists will undoubtedly be looking to rally support from their audiences across the country.

The 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards promise to be a memorable celebration of musical excellence, showcasing the remarkable talent that continues to define South African and African jazz. Kabelo El Chen Mogale’s achievement as the most nominated artist with five nominations reflects the outstanding impact of El Chen (The Unfinished Story) and positions him as one of the leading contenders on the night. At the same time, the diverse list of nominees across all categories demonstrates the strength, creativity and continued evolution of jazz both locally and internationally. Whether determined by public votes or the expert jury, this year’s winners will represent the highest standards of artistic achievement within the genre. As the ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on Pretoria as the jazz community comes together to celebrate another year of exceptional music and honor the artists keeping the spirit of jazz alive.