Ugandan jazz musician Isaiah Katumwa has added another international milestone to his career after receiving two nominations at the 2026 Mzantsi Jazz Awards for his latest album, New Days.
The double recognition places Katumwa among the continent’s leading jazz performers and gives Uganda representation at one of Africa’s most respected jazz awards as preparations begin for this year’s ceremony in South Africa.
The nominations come just months after the release of New Days, an album that has continued to expand the saxophonist’s international profile.
Released in March 2026, the project explores themes of hope, renewal and fresh beginnings through expressive saxophone melodies, rich harmonies and contemporary jazz arrangements infused with African rhythms.
The album has now earned Katumwa nominations in both the Best International Jazz Album/Artist category and the newly introduced Best African Jazz Album/Artist category at the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards.
The winners are scheduled to be announced on 15 August 2026 during a ceremony at the Drama Theatre of the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
The latest nominations follow another significant achievement for New Days earlier this year.
The album entered the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart, making Katumwa one of the few African instrumentalists to receive recognition on the internationally recognised smooth jazz chart.
That achievement added further momentum to an album that has become one of the notable African jazz releases of 2026.
Katumwa has spent three decades building a career that blends contemporary smooth jazz with African musical influences, helping introduce Ugandan jazz to audiences beyond the continent.
His latest recognition reflects the continued international reach of that musical journey. Competition in the international category is expected to be strong.
Katumwa has been nominated alongside British jazz violinist Daniel John Martin, South African vocalist Tutu Puoane and British-Nigerian soul-jazz singer-songwriter Ola Onabulé.
The African category also features an extensive field of established musicians from across the continent.
Among the nominees are Berima Amo, Sibusiso Lerole, Apiwe Bubu, Bonginkosi Innocent Yeko, Kabelo El Chen Mogale, Christine Kamau, Siyangoba Mthethwa, Fanie Sandile Dick, Dotun Bankole and Ola Onabulé.
The Best African Jazz Album/Artist category is being introduced as part of the awards’ 10th anniversary celebrations.
According to the organisers, this year’s edition also introduces an expanded programme and a new venue at the South African State Theatre in Pretoria.
Nominees are selected through an evaluation process that considers artistic creativity, technical excellence, contribution to the growth of jazz, audience impact and longevity in the industry before public voting determines the winners.
Katumwa has described New Days as a project with a deeper personal message. “more than a song—it is a declaration of hope and a new chapter.”
That description reflects the central ideas explored throughout the album, which focuses on hope, fresh beginnings and renewal.
While the nominations recognise artistic achievement, they also place New Days before a wider African audience through the public voting process.
Supporters who wish to back Katumwa can participate in both award categories. For the Best InternationalJazz Album/Artist category, voters can send ZaJazz BF2 via SMS to (+27) 40439.
For the Best African Jazz Album/Artist category, supporters can vote by sending ZaJazz BA8 to the same number. The next confirmed milestone is the awards ceremony on 15 August 2026, when winners will be announced in Pretoria.
The source does not confirm whether Katumwa will attend the event or perform during the ceremony. It also does not state when public voting will close.
For now, the focus remains on the voting process and the opportunity for fans to support the Ugandan saxophonist in both categories.
The Isaiah Katumwa Mzantsi Jazz Awards 2026 nominations mark another important chapter in a career that has consistently taken Ugandan jazz onto international stages.
With New Days already earning recognition through its Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart appearance and now securing two nominations at one of Africa’s leading jazz awards, Katumwa’s latest achievement offers another reminder of the growing global visibility of Ugandan jazz.
Whether the nominations translate into trophies will be decided through public voting, but the double recognition has already secured another significant milestone for one of Uganda’s most accomplished jazz musicians.
