This year’s shortlist features a mix of UK innovators and international heavyweights. Notable nominees include the Mercury Prize-winning Ezra Collective and chart-topping singer-songwriter Raye. They are joined by gospel legend Mavis Staples, visionary multi-instrumentalist Shabaka Hutchings, and the genre-blending American collective Snarky Puppy. Other high-profile names include multi-Grammy winner Samara Joy and French-Haitian vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant.
A significant portion of the awards will be decided by the listeners. The coveted Album of the Year and UK Jazz Act of the Year categories are now open to a public vote. Nominees for these fan-led honors include Emma Rawicz, Kokoroko, Fergus McCreadie, and Tom Skinner. These categories reflect a year where jazz has moved beyond its traditional borders to heavily influence mainstream music culture.
Nick Pitts, Content Director for Jazz FM, noted that the 2026 nominees perfectly capture the thriving breadth of the modern jazz landscape. He emphasized that the genre has not only continued to innovate internally but has also broken significant ground in the wider music world. The judging panel aimed to recognize both emerging voices, such as Poppy Daniels and Donovan Haffner, alongside established icons.
Since launching in 2013, the Jazz FM Awards has grown into one of the most respected events in the industry. It has previously honored legends like Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones while providing a platform for contemporary stars like Jacob Collier and Gregory Porter. With the 2026 edition, the awards continue their mission of celebrating exceptional creativity across the global jazz community.
