Origins and Formation
Ezra Collective is a London-based jazz quintet renowned for its innovative fusion of jazz, Afrobeat, hip-hop, and soul. The band was formed in 2012 by brothers Femi and TJ Koleoso, alongside fellow musicians Joe Armon-Jones, James Mollison, and Ife Ogunjobi. Their musical journey began at Tomorrow’s Warriors, a youth jazz initiative led by bassist Gary Crosby, where they honed their skills and developed a shared vision for a genre-blending sound.
Musical Evolution and Influences
Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of genres, Ezra Collective’s music seamlessly integrates elements of Afrobeat, jazz, funk, reggae, and hip-hop. Their sound is heavily influenced by the rhythms of Fela Kuti and the improvisational spirit of jazz legends. Drummer Femi Koleoso, in particular, credits his mentorship under Tony Allen for shaping his approach to rhythm and groove, emphasizing the importance of subtlety and power in drumming.
Career Milestones
Debut Album: You Can’t Steal My Joy (2019)
In 2019, Ezra Collective released their debut album, You Can’t Steal My Joy. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Jorja Smith and Loyle Carner, and the instrumental track “Quest for Coin” gained significant attention after being premiered as the “Hottest Record in the World” on BBC Radio 1 by Annie Mac. The album’s success established the band as a prominent force in the UK jazz scene.
Where I’m Meant to Be (2022)
Their sophomore album, Where I’m Meant to Be, was released in November 2022. The album featured contributions from artists like Sampa The Great, Kojey Radical, Emeli Sandé, and Nao. It received critical acclaim and debuted at number one on the UK’s Jazz & Blues chart. In September 2023, the album made history by winning the Mercury Prize, marking the first time a jazz band had received the prestigious award.
Dance, No One’s Watching (2024)
In 2024, Ezra Collective released their third studio album, Dance, No One’s Watching. The album continued their exploration of genre fusion, incorporating elements of Afrobeats, Latin rhythms, and soulful R&B. It was met with positive reviews and achieved commercial success, becoming their first Top 10 album on the UK Official Albums Chart.
Awards and Recognition
Ezra Collective’s contributions to music have been widely recognized. In addition to their Mercury Prize win, they have received multiple accolades, including:
- MOBO Awards (2022 & 2024): Best Jazz Act
- Brit Awards (2025): Group of the Year
- BBC Sound of 2025: Runner-up
Their innovative approach to music and commitment to genre-blending have solidified their position as pioneers in the contemporary jazz scene.
Social Advocacy and Legacy
Beyond their musical achievements, Ezra Collective is committed to social advocacy, particularly in supporting youth arts education. Femi Koleoso has been vocal about the importance of youth clubs in nurturing artistic talent, highlighting the decline in such services and advocating for their restoration. The band’s origins in the Tomorrow’s Warriors program underscore their belief in the power of community-based music education.
Conclusion
Ezra Collective’s journey from a youth jazz initiative to international acclaim exemplifies the transformative power of music and mentorship. Their genre-defying sound and commitment to social change continue to inspire audiences and emerging artists worldwide.
