News

In the week it celebrates its 25th birthday, Jazz FM is delighted to announce that the Jazz FM Awards will return for a second year on Wednesday 10 June 2015, this time in the Great Halls at Vinopolis, London Bridge.. This very special event will feature a unique performance from the legendary Hugh Masekela who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award on the night.

The Jazz FM Awards 2015, produced by Serious, will present eleven awards on the night to honour musicians and performers that have made an exceptional contribution within the worlds of Jazz, Blues and Soul. The awards are confirmed as:

• Breakthrough Act
• Instrumentalist of the Year
• Album of the Year
• Jazz Innovation of the Year
• Live Experience of the Year
• UK Jazz Act of the Year
• International Jazz Artist of the Year
• Blues Artist of the Year
• Soul Artist of the Year
• Vocalist of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement – to be presented to Hugh Masekela

This unique event presented by Jazz FM and Serious will celebrate the wealth of talent demonstrated in jazz music over the last 12 months. Guests will be treated to a special evening with live performances and award presentations including Hugh Masekela who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. A highlight to the evening’s entertainment will be a performance by Hugh Masekela, who will be joined onstage by American jazz pianist Larry Willis.

Hugh Masekela is a world-renowned multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer, singer and defiant political voice who remains deeply connected at home, while his international career sparkles. Born in the town of Witbank, South Africa in 1939, the celebrated South African trumpeter has enjoyed a solo career spanning 5 decades, during which time he has released over 40 albums (and been featured on countless more) and has worked with such diverse artists as Harry Belafonte, Dizzy Gillespie, The Byrds, Fela Kuti, Marvin Gaye, Herb Alpert, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and the late Miriam Makeba.

A pillar of the anti-apartheid movement, Hugh returned to his home country in 1990 following a 30-year exile. In 2010, President Zuma honoured him with the highest order in South Africa: The Order of Ikhamanga. He maintains a busy international tour schedule as his fan base around the world continues to grow.

Jazz FM Chairman Richard Wheatly said: “We’re proud to be celebrating 25 years of Jazz FM at this year’s Awards which recognise the best musicians and performers. The evening is set to be a fantastic occasion, bringing together the jazz world’s finest with Hugh Masekela headlining what will be an unforgettable night.”

It is not only the industry that get to revel in Hugh’s achievements this summer, fans have two opportunities to see him perform live in the UK. Hugh plays the Barbican in London on Monday 8 June and Love Supreme Festival on 5 July.

The Jazz FM Awards first took place in 2013 creating a memorable night of glamour, live music and celebration of all things jazz. From stunning performances, including a world first collaboration by Jamie Cullum and the inaugural Jazz FM Awards lifetime Achievement winner Ahmad Jamal, to highlighting amazing accomplishments from the likes of Robert Glasper, Gregory Porter, Kurt Elling and many more.

The Jazz FM Awards 2015 is a partnership between Jazz FM and Serious and is made possible with the support of Aberdeen Asset Management, Taylor’s Port, Mishcon De Reya and Arqiva.