Aki Takase to receive German Jazz Prize for Lifetime Achievement

In 2026, the German Jazz Prize honours one of the defining figures of contemporary jazz: Aki Takase will receive the German Jazz Prize for Lifetime Achievement. For decades, the Japanese jazz musician has stood for a distinctive musical language that moves between composition and improvisation, across cultural contexts and aesthetic traditions.

With this award, the jury of the German Jazz Prize honours an artist who understands jazz not as a fixed style, but as an open and constantly evolving practice. Her influence is particularly evident in her participatory way of working and in the many musical connections that have emerged from it.

Line-up for the award ceremony expands: additional live acts announced

Adeolu will take the stage with an ensemble that brings together international perspectives. The band is lead by Lukas Akintaya, who is nominated in the Drums/Percussion category. The collective hilde, nominated as Live Act of the Year, combines voice, strings and trombone to create a chamber music–influenced sound. Singer and composer ganavya, whose album Nilam is nominated in the International Album of the Year category, moves between jazz, spiritual traditions and global influences. With the Moses Yoofee Trio, nominated for Debut Album of the Year, a young formation is represented that reflects current developments in European jazz.

The ceremony will take place on 25 April 2026 at the Congress Centrum Bremen as part of the 20th anniversary of the jazzahead!.

Tickets and further information can be found here.