Ugandan jazz maestro Isaiah Katumwa is once again striking the right chord on the international stage, earning two prestigious nominations at the 10th Mzantsi Jazz Awards and reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s leading jazz exports.
The celebrated saxophonist has been shortlisted in the highly competitive Best International Jazz Album/Artist category for his latest project New Days, placing Uganda firmly in the continental spotlight ahead of the awards ceremony slated for August 15, 2026, in Pretoria, South Africa.
Katumwa’s latest recognition adds another milestone to a career spanning more than three decades, during which he has consistently pushed Ugandan jazz onto the global map through a signature sound that blends smooth jazz with rich African influences.
At the centre of the nominations is New Days, a deeply personal and sonically rich album released in March. The project explores themes of hope, renewal and fresh beginnings, carried through expressive saxophone melodies, layered harmonies and contemporary jazz arrangements infused with African rhythms.
Describing the album, Katumwa said it represents “a declaration of hope and a new chapter,” a message that has resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike.
The album’s success has not been limited to the continent. Earlier this year, New Days broke into the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart, marking a rare achievement for an African instrumentalist in one of the world’s most competitive jazz radio spaces.
The milestone has been widely viewed as a breakthrough moment for African jazz, a genre that has long struggled for consistent visibility on global platforms. However, the race for top honours will be no easy feat.
Katumwa faces stiff competition in the international category, going up against British jazz violinist Daniel John Martin, South African vocalist Tutu Puoane, and a British-Nigerian soul-jazz singer-songwriter, highlighting the global calibre of this year’s nominees.
In a further boost, New Days has also secured a nomination in the newly introduced Best African Jazz Album/Artist category, part of the awards’ expanded programme marking its 10th anniversary.
Here, Katumwa will compete alongside some of the continent’s finest talents, including 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.
Winners in both categories will be determined through public voting, giving fans across Africa a direct role in deciding the outcome.
Supporters can vote in the international category by sending ZaJazz BF2 to (+27) 40439 via SMS, and ZaJazz BA8 for the African category.
Organisers note that nominees are selected through a rigorous process that evaluates artistic creativity, technical excellence, audience impact, and contribution to the growth of jazz.
Now in its 10th year, the Mzantsi Jazz Awards has grown into one of Africa’s most respected jazz platforms, with this year’s edition introducing an expanded continental category and a new venue at the iconic South African State Theatre.
For Katumwa, the double nomination is more than personal recognition—it is a testament to his enduring influence and his role as a cultural ambassador for Uganda.
As the countdown to Pretoria gathers pace, hopes are high that the saxophonist will once again turn continental acclaim into global triumph, carrying Uganda’s jazz legacy even further onto the world stage.
