Out Of Africa: Zimbabwe’s Edith WeUtonga Nominated For 2025 Folk Album Of The Year
UK-based Zimbabwean musician has become one of nine artists recognised in the inaugural edition of the prize. Her forthcoming album Varipasi, due for release on 9th December, earned her a place on a list that spans multiple generations, traditions and stylistic approaches across Britain and Ireland. WeUtonga is a vocalist, bassist and composer known for blending Afro-jazz […]
Black News 
UK-based Zimbabwean musician has become one of nine artists recognised in the inaugural edition of the prize.
Her forthcoming album Varipasi, due for release on 9th December, earned her a place on a list that spans multiple generations, traditions and stylistic approaches across Britain and Ireland.
WeUtonga is a vocalist, bassist and composer known for blending Afro-jazz with traditional Zimbabwean influences. From Harare’s biggest festival stages to performances across Africa, Europe and Asia, she has established herself as one of the most powerful musical exports from the Southern African nation. Her band Utonga, formed in 2010, deploys a bold fusion of Jiti, Chimurenga, Shona folk, jazz and world music.
In Varipasi, her first album since 2018, she channels the intimate grief of losing her grandmother during the pandemic into a universal expression of remembrance and emotional liberation.
The Folk Album Of The Year Award, created by Sound Roots and the award-winning podcast Folk on Foot hosted by broadcaster Matthew Bannister, has been launched to celebrate the most artistically acclaimed folk, roots and acoustic albums in Britain and Ireland.
The Award is supported by Rochdale Development Agency and forms a key part of Rochdale’s 2026 Town of Culture celebrations. It also complements the Sound Roots-commissioned Official Folk Albums Chart, which was launched in 2020 in collaboration with the Official Charts Company and provides monthly charts highlighting around 120 new folk releases each year.
“In our inaugural year, we’ve been bowled over by the incredible breadth of submissions from across Britain and Ireland. As we look ahead, we’re already planning how to celebrate even more exceptional folk releases. For now, we’re excited to present these outstanding works to the world and to gather in Rochdale Town Hall this March to celebrate the vibrant folk community“, said David Agnew, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Sound Roots.
Kellie While, Chair of the Sound Roots Board and Jury Chair, added: “We are so grateful to our jury who have worked tirelessly and with passion over the last two weeks. It was an incredibly difficult job as there were a huge number of albums considered that very much deserve recognition. The nine albums show how vibrant and exciting this year has been for folk music in Britain and Ireland and we cannot wait for new audiences to discover these brilliant releases.”
The overall winner will be unveiled at an inaugural ceremony featuring live performances from nominated artists. The event will take place at Rochdale Town Hall on Tuesday 17th March 2026 and will be available to live stream.
See the full list of nominees here.
