Sir Van Morrison, Chaka Khan, Samara Joy and Ezra Collective were among the major winners at the Jazz FM Awards 2026 with PPL and PRS For Music.
Hosted by Doc Brown, the ceremony was staged at Koko (April 16).
Singer-songwriter Sir Van Morrison was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Jools Holland, recognising his extraordinary contribution to music across more than six decades.
Chaka Khan received the Impact Award, while Mercury Prize-winning London act Ezra Collective were presented with a brand new award for Outstanding Contribution to UK Jazz by Courtney Pine.
Other winners on the night included Donovan Haffner (Breakthrough Act of the Year), Samara Joy (International Jazz Act of the Year), Emma-Jean Thackray (Innovation Award), Fergus McCreadie for The Shieling (Album of the Year) and Emma Rawicz (UK Jazz Act of the Year).
The ceremony attracted a host of guests from across music, film and broadcasting, with awards presented throughout the evening by figures including Rumer, Lemar, Katie Melua, Martin Freeman, Kenny Thomas, Jordan Rakei and Alex Horne.
This year’s winners reflect the creativity and energy that continue to make jazz one of the most vibrant forms of music in the world
Nick Pitts
The evening also celebrated one of the most influential labels in the history of jazz, with Verve Records receiving the Gold Award during its 70th anniversary year. Introduced by author Nick Hornby, the presentation included a congratulatory video message from Jamie Cullum, and the award was collected on the night by UK Verve representative and Fontana Records president Tom Lewis.
This year's ceremony also featured a series of live performances from Sir Van Morrison, Omar, Emma-Jean Thackray and Yazmin Lacey.
Nick Pitts, content director of Jazz FM and Magic Classical, said: “We’ve created something really special with the Jazz FM Awards, and there was a real sense of excitement and warmth in the room tonight. This year’s winners reflect the creativity and energy that continue to make jazz one of the most vibrant forms of music in the world. Add to that, a stellar list of people who wanted to be part of the evening either as award givers or performers like Sir Van and Omar, the Jazz FM Awards has earnt its place at the top of the global jazz scene.”
Jazz FM Awards 2026 with PPL and PRS for Music — Winners
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sir Van Morrison
Presented by Jools Holland
Gold Award
Verve Records
Presented by Nick Hornby
Impact Award
Chaka Khan
Presented by Sarah Jane Morris
Outstanding Contribution to UK Jazz
Ezra Collective
Presented by Courtney Pine
Breakthrough Act of the Year
Donovan Haffner
Presented by Ego Ella May
International Jazz Act of the Year
Samara Joy
Presented by Rumer
Blues Act of the Year
Mavis Staples
Presented by Kenny Thomas
Soul Act of the Year
Omar
Presented by Lemar
Instrumentalist of the Year
Joe Webb
Presented by Jay Phelps and Benji Akintuyosi
Vocalist of the Year
Yazmin Lacey
Presented by Jordan Rakei
The Innovation Award
Emma-Jean Thackray
Presented by Alex Horne & The Horne Section
The Collaboration Award
Balimaya Project meets Discos Pacifico All-Stars – Calima
Presented by Marcus Brigstocke
Album of the Year – PUBLIC VOTE
Fergus McCreadie — The Shieling
Presented by Katie Melua
UK Jazz Act of the Year – PUBLIC VOTE
Emma Rawicz
Presented by Martin Freeman
