Jazz FM announces full lineup of awards nominees for 2026

The nominees for this year’s Jazz FM Awards have been revealed by the station this evening.

The ceremony returns to KOKO in London on Thursday 16th April, celebrating emerging voices and internationally acclaimed performers.

Nominees include UK jazz innovators Ezra Collective, British singer-songwriter Raye, soul singer Mavis Staples, US vocalist Samara Joy, producer and trumpeter Emma-Jean Thackray, British soul artist Omar, multi-instrumentalist Shabaka Hutchings, French Haitian vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant, and genre-blending collective Snarky Puppy.

Album Of The Year and UK Jazz Act Of The Year will be decided by public vote. Nominees for these categories feature Ambrose Akinmusire, Fergus McCreadie, Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell, Tyreek McDole, Emma Rawicz, Kokoroko, and Tom Skinner.

Nick Pitts, Jazz FM and Magic Classical Content Director, said: “The nominees for 2026 perfectly capture the breadth of today’s thriving jazz landscape.

“Jazz as an artform has broken ground, influencing the mainstream music world, and it’s brilliant that our judging panel have recognised both established and emerging artists.”

Recipients of the evening’s special awards will be announced in the coming weeks.