Returning in style for another unforgettable evening, the Jazz FM Awards 2026 once again celebrated the very best in jazz, blues and soul. Last night, the best in the business gathered once more at London's KOKO for the awards ceremony, championing both emerging talents and internationally renowned performers.
Serving as the UK’s leading jazz radio station, Jazz FM first launched the awards in 2013. Since then, the event has become a much-anticipated highlight of the UK jazz calendar, returning in 2025 following a brief hiatus.
With weeks of anticipation built through nominee announcements and special honours, this year’s ceremony honoured those most deserving of recognition, from iconic figures such as Van Morrison and Chaka Khan to rising stars such as Emma Rawicz, Joe Webb and Fergus McCredie.
Read on to discover the full list of Jazz FM Award winners of 2026 below.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Van Morrison
Impact Award - Chaka Khan
Available Format: DVD Video
Gold Award - Verve Records
The Innovation Award - Emma-Jean Thackray
sponsored by Mishcon de Reya
Breakthrough Act of the Year - Donovan Haffner
The Collaboration Award - Balimaya Project meets Discos Pacifico All-Stars – Calima
sponsored by Cash For Kids
Vocalist of the Year - Yazmin Lacey
International Jazz Act of the Year - Samara Joy
sponsored by Saint Lucia Tourism Authority
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Instrumentalist of the Year - Joe Webb
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Soul Act of the Year - Omar
sponsored by Oanda
Blues Act of the Year - Mavis Staples
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Album of the Year - Fergus McCreadie: The Shieling
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
UK Jazz Act of the Year - Emma Rawicz
(sponsored by Rathbones)
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
Available Formats: CD, Hi-Res FLAC/ALAC/WAV, FLAC/ALAC/WAV, MP3
