By Princess Eugene Majuru
Lomdon , England ( News of The South) – UK-based bassist, vocalist, and composer Edith WeUtonga has earned a coveted spot on the shortlist for the inaugural Folk Album of the Year Award. This significant recognition celebrates outstanding folk music released across Britain and Ireland, positioning her forthcoming album, Varipasi, among nine of the most artistically merited records of the year.
A major figure in Southern African music, Edith WeUtonga is renowned for her dynamic and groundbreaking work as a bassist, singer, and songwriter. She leads her band, Utonga (meaning “dawn” in Shona), and has crafted an authentically Zimbabwean sound that is layered with influences from traditional styles such as Jiti, Chimurenga, and Shona folk. She also boldly incorporates global music flavours like Afro-jazz, Rhumba, Reggae, Calypso, and Jazz into her compositions.
Born Edith Katiji, the Zimbabwean-born and UK-based artist’s musical journey began early, leading to training at the Army School of Music and a pivotal role as a composer and lead vocalist for the all-female band Amakhosikazi. She later discovered her passion for the bass guitar, an instrument she taught herself to play, becoming one of the few female bassists who also fronts a band. Her work extends beyond the stage; she is the founding president of the Zimbabwe Music Union (ZIMU) and, in 2021, became the first black woman elected as the Vice President of the International Federation of Musicians (FIM), championing musicians’ rights globally.
The Nominated Album: Varipasi
Edith WeUtonga’s shortlisted album, Varipasi, is set for release on 9 December 2025. This album submission, which blends her signature Afro-jazz with traditional Zimbabwean musical roots, brings a bold and dynamic international perspective to the award shortlist. Her inclusion marks a meaningful milestone for African arts communities in the UK and highlights the award’s commitment to showcasing the diversity and cross-genre experimentation thriving in the contemporary folk scene.
The Inaugural Folk Album of the Year Award
The Folk Album of the Year Award is a major new annual prize established to celebrate the most artistically acclaimed folk, roots, and acoustic albums in Britain and Ireland. Created by the music charity Sound Roots in partnership with the award-winning podcast Folk on Foot, the award is inspired by the tried-and-tested Mercury Prize format.
Submissions & Shortlist: The inaugural award saw 146 album submissions. The shortlist, which was originally intended to feature eight albums, was extended to nine due to the remarkable depth in quality. The nominees were selected by a jury of distinguished performers, music, and media professionals, chaired by English folk singer-songwriter Kellie While (Executive Producer of BBC Radio 2’s The Folk Show).
Categories: The award has a single category: Folk Album of the Year. The nine shortlisted albums represent a vital snapshot of folk’s eclectic community, where traditional storytelling, contemporary composition, and cross-genre experimentation sit side by side. The nominees range widely in age, geography, background, and style.
The Ceremony: The overall winner will be announced at an inaugural, live-streamed ceremony featuring performances from the nominees. The event is scheduled to take place at Rochdale Town Hall on Tuesday 17 March 2026, as a key part of Rochdale’s 2026 Town of Culture celebrations.
The shortlist features a constellation of talent, from folk legend Peggy Seeger (90) to emerging artists, ensuring the award spotlights both established figures and new music that might otherwise go unheard.
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