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The 4th Edition | Historic Jeddah
Partners
About Jazz In Jeddah
Evolution from a local event to a national platform bridging local talent with the global music community.
About Jazz In Jeddah
Evolution from a local event to a national platform bridging local talent with the global music community.
Strategic Pillars
Production & Publishing
Empowerment & Song Writing
+60Artists
15Countries
Twinning with Global Festivals
Special Programs
"Women in Jazz" Soirée
Jazz Art Exhibition
First Saudi Jazz Album
JNJ Award
Guests & Lineup
The music is ready. The names are next.
H.E. Mr. Rakan Al-Touq
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H.H. Saud Bin Jalawi
TITLE HERE
H.E. Mr. Rakan Al-Touq
Title Here
H.H. Saud Bin Jalawi
TITLE HERE
JNJ Award
A competition for international producers to blend Saudi heritage with global jazz rhythms.
Award's Terms & Conditions
- The competition is open to international individuals and groups music producers.
- A special emphasis is placed on artists who possess a strong connection to Arab culture.
- Eligible entrants include emerging solo international artists or bands demonstrating exceptional promise in the jazz genre.
- Local or international Jazz & Fusion Ensembles are eligible to participate.
- Composers or arrangers may submit their original work either individually or collaboratively.
- Candidates are required to submit exactly one studio recording of their fusion track.
- The audio track must be provided via a Google Drive link.
- Submissions must be sent by email to respond@callofculture.com.
- Applicants must provide an Artist Bio or CV with a maximum length of 300 words.
- Candidates must provide an additional media sample consisting of a video presentation with a maximum duration of two minutes.
- The video presentation must state the candidate’s name, nationality, musical background, and include a presentation of the submitted work.
- Submitted projects and performances must be original works.
- Submissions must utilize the provided tracks, which is made available for download on the website www.jazzinjeddah.com.
- The arrangement must strictly preserve the authentic melodic contour, emotional core, and rhythmic identity of the selected traditional piece.
- The original theme must be highlighted as the primary jazz head or theme, rather than being relegated to a background motif.
- The selection process is anchored in rigorous international music award standards.
- The Jury Panel will evaluate all submissions based on Artistic Originality, Technical Proficiency, and Cultural Fusion.
- A preselection choice made by the jury will be published on the Jazz in Jeddah social media channels for a worldwide electronic public vote.
- The results of the public voting are not included in the determination of the three winning places.
- The submission deadline is Jun 15, 2026, at 00:00 (KSA Time).
- The downloadable music archive publication begins on May 5, 2026.
- The jury’s final selection phase occurs from Jun 17 to Jun 25.
- The deadline to submit the track link via email is Jun 15, 2026.
- Public voting opens on Jazz in Jeddah Instagram account on Jun 17 and closes on Jun 25, 2026.
- The Award Ceremony and the announcement of the three winning music pieces will take place on Jun 30, 2026.
- The top finalists will receive an Award Trophy.
- The First Place winner will receive a financial grant of $10,000.
- The Second Place winner will receive a financial grant of $7,000.
- The Third Place winner will receive a financial grant of $5,000.
- Winners are guaranteed a highly publicized performance slot at the 2026 Jeddah Jazz Festival.
The Jury
Chicho Valdes
World Class Artist
A seven-time Grammy and six-time Latin Grammy winner who defined modern Afro-Cuban Jazz, his portfolio includes founding the legendary band Irakere and collaborations with jazz titans such as his father Bebo Valdes, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock, as well as celebrated figures like Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, and Roy Hargrove.
Paul Pacifico
Music Comm CEO
The CEO of the Saudi Music Commission and a creative strategist who bridges music policy, education, and performance, his portfolio includes leadership roles at the Association of Independent Music (AIM) and collaborations with music legends such as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Nile Rodgers, as well as global brands like Aston Martin and Coca-Cola.
Gordon Williams
Grammy Winner
A multiple Grammy winnerand artist that bridges Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, and Soul, his portfolio includescollaborationswith music legends such as Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, and Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as modern icons like Amy Winehouse, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Will Smith.
Twinning
Since 2005
Since 1981
Since 1980
Creating Legacy
“First Saudi Jazz Album 2026” — creating authentic works by Saudi and international artists.
Album details and behind-the-scenes updates — coming soon.
Creating Legacy
“First Saudi Jazz Album 2026” — creating authentic works by Saudi and international artists.
Songwriting Workshop
Cultivating the next generation of Jazz Producers
Partners & Media
Partners & media announcements coming soon.
We’re confirming collaborations and updates.
H.E. Mr. Rakan Al-Touq
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H.H. Saud bin Jalawi
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Partners & Media
Partners & media announcements coming soon.
We’re confirming collaborations and updates.
H.E. Mr. Rakan Al-Touq
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H.H. Saud bin Jalawi
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Visual Highlights
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Where To Stay
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Jazz Venue
FAQ
It is a premier cultural festival that uniquely blends global jazz with Saudi Arabia’s authentic musical heritage.
The 2026 festival is hosted in the heart of the UNESCO-recognized Jeddah Historic District (Al-Balad).
We proudly partner with leading jazz festivals to foster global cultural and talent exchange.
Expect a world-class lineup featuring classic jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Mediterranean music (takasiem), and our signature Saudi Fusion.
It is the seamless blending of free-flowing global jazz with the traditional instruments and soulful melodies of the Saudi Traditional Music.
Yes, JNJ 2026 will launch the first-ever collaborative Saudi Jazz Album featuring original tracks recorded during JNJ residencies and Talent Training Program.
It is a prestigious award for emerging musical innovators.
Through our partnership with the Music Commission at Ministry of Culture and other partners, we provide dedicated songwriting scholarships and intensive cross-cultural artist residencies.
Box office dates will be announced soon; please subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social channels for the earliest updates.
Yes, all main stage viewing areas and designated pathways within Al-Balad are designed to be fully accessible for everyone.