Mzantsi Jazz Awards mark 10th anniversary with new venue and exciting build-up events

Mzantsi Jazz Awards founder, Dr Mongezi C. Makhalima. Picture: Nigel Sibanda The Mzantsi Jazz Awards will celebrate their 10th anniversary this year.

Speaking toThe Citizen, founder Dr Mongezi C. Makhalima said this year’s edition will be bigger and more exciting as they celebrate the milestone. The organisers hosted a media lunch on Tuesday at the State Theatre in Pretoria, which was announced as the new host venue.

The awards were previously held at the Soweto Theatre for three years. “For three years, we’ll be doing the Mzantsi Jazz Awards at the State Theatre,” Makhalima said. He said the move to the City of Tshwane reflects the awards’ commitment to jazz in the region.

[paywall]

He highlighted areas such as Mamelodi and Atteridgeville as historic jazz hubs that produced artists including Gabi Motuba, Jessie Mogale and Dolly Rathebe. The 2026 edition of the Mzantsi Jazz Awards is scheduled for Saturday, 15 August. Makhalima said several activities will lead up to the main ceremony. The programme will begin with a season opener on 6 March.

[/paywall]