The nominees for the 2026 Jazz FM Awards have been announced, with artists including Samara Joy, Ezra Collective, Mavis Staples and Raye among those shortlisted. The ceremony will take place at KOKO in London on Thursday 16 April, as part of the annual Jazz FM Awards presented with PPL and PRS for Music.
The awards, launched in 2013, recognise both emerging artists and established names across jazz, soul and related genres. Public voting will again decide winners in Album of the Year and UK Jazz Act of the Year.
Notable artists across the 2026 shortlist
This year’s nominations highlight a mix of international performers and UK-based acts, including Shabaka Hutchings, Emma-Jean Thackray, Snarky Puppy and Omar.
Two of the major categories will be decided by public vote, including nominees such as Ambrose Akinmusire, Fergus McCreadie, Emma Rawicz, Kokoroko and Tom Skinner.
Jazz FM Awards history and past honourees
Since launching in 2013, the awards have recognised a wide range of artists, from established figures such as Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and Tony Bennett to more recent stars including Jamie Cullum, Gregory Porter and Norah Jones.
Full list of Jazz FM Awards 2026 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
