Ezra Collective

Formed in London and shaped by the capital’s vibrant grassroots music culture, Ezra Collective (featuring Trinity Laban alumni Femi Koleoso and Joe Armon-Jones) have emerged as one of the defining voices in contemporary UK jazz. Blending jazz with Afrobeat, hip hop, reggae and soul, the quintet has played a central role in the genre’s resurgence, bringing its energy to major stages while remaining deeply connected to the communities that first nurtured their sound.  

The group’s origins lie in youth music initiatives, such as our partners Tomorrow’s Warriors, where the members first met and developed their craft. This foundation continues to shape their artistic identity and ethos. For Ezra Collective, music is not only performance but participation – an inclusive, collective act rooted in shared experience and opportunity. 

In 2023, Ezra Collective became the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize for their album Where I’m Meant To Be, a historic moment that signalled a broader recognition of UK jazz on a national stage. Their continued success includes winning Group of the Year at the 2025 BRIT Awards, further cementing their place at the forefront of British music.  

At the heart of these achievements is a clear and consistent message: the transformative power of music education. During their BRIT Awards acceptance speech, band leader Femi Koleoso said “This moment right here is because of the great youth clubs and the great teachers and the great schools that support young people playing music”. Their advocacy extends beyond words, members of the group regularly engage with young people through workshops, school visits and community initiatives, championing the idea that access to music can inspire ambition, creativity and long-term change.