The nominees have been revealed for this year’s Jazz FM Awards, which is presented in collaboration with PPL and PRS For Music.
The ceremony returns to Koko in London on Thursday, April 16.
This year’s nominees include Samara Joy (pictured), Ezra Collective, Raye, Mavis Staples, Emma-Jean Thackray, Omar, Shabaka Hutchings and the genre-blending collective Snarky Puppy.
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.
The recipients of the special awards will be announced in the coming weeks.
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!”
The nominees for 2026 perfectly capture the breadth of today’s thriving jazz landscape
Nick Pitts
Since its inception in 2013, the Jazz FM Awards has paid tribute to emerging acts alongside legendary figures, including Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Dame Cleo Laine, Tony Bennett, George Benson, Pat Metheny, the Rolling Stones, Jools Holland, Georgie Fame and Ahmad Jamal.
It has also honoured contemporary stars of the genre including Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter, Norah Jones, Jacob Collier, Melody Gardot and Robert Glasper.
PHOTO: AB+DM
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
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
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
Cecile McLorin Salvant – Oh Snap
Emma-Jean Thackray - Weirdo
Fergus McCreadie - The Sheiling
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
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