Matoka wins Gent Jazz Talent 2026 and SLAGADER takes the audience award

The winners have been announced! During a special day at the festival, the three Gent Jazz Talent finalists were given the chance to present their projects live to both the expert jury and the audience. Matoka has been crowned the winner of Gent Jazz Talent 2026, whilst SLAGADER has taken the audience award.

During this free festival day, the audience is introduced to the jazz sound of tomorrow and helps decide who takes home the prizes. This year’s edition also attracted a great deal of interest and a good turnout. SLAGADER, MOTMOT and matoka, the three winners of Gent Jazz Talent 2026, were given the chance to present their projects on the Garden Stage. Following their performances, the audience cast their votes, whilst the expert jury and the partners deliberated on the final decision.

Matoka wins the jury award

The winner of Gent Jazz Talent 2026, matoka will receive no less than €10,000, tailored advice and support via VI.BE, Sabam and PlayRight, a residency with Ha Concerts, the chance to play at Nova Express (Kunstencentrum nona) and a performance on the Main Stage at Gent Jazz 2027.

Over the coming months, matoka will be given every opportunity to develop further through a bespoke programme. The public will discover the result at Gent Jazz 2027, where the band has already been guaranteed a place on the line-up.

SLAGADER wins the audience award

With an impressive number of votes from the public, SLAGADER has won the audience award. Their prize package includes €2,000, industry advice and a residency at the Edmond creative space in Brussels.

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Gent Jazz Talent is an initiative by Gent Jazz, in close collaboration with PlayRight, Sabam, VI.BE, Brewery Omer-Vander Ghinste, Ha Concerts, creative space and music studio Edmond, as well as the arts centre Nona.