Kokoroko

Formed in London and closely connected to the jazz scene surrounding Tomorrow’s Warriors and Trinity Laban, Kokoroko’s members are part of a generation of alumni (including Shelia Maurice-Grey, Cassie Kinoshi, and former member Oscar Jerome) enriching the UK contemporary jazz scene, blending Afrobeat, highlife guitar and soul-infused jazz.

Led by trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey, Kokoroko first gained widespread attention with Abusey Junction, a viral success that won Track of the Year at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards in 2019. Their rise has been marked by major accolades, including Best Group at the Urban Music Awards and Jazz Ensemble of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, alongside nominations at the Jazz FM Awards.

The collective has performed at prestigious stages such as the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and released their acclaimed debut album Could We Be More (2022), later followed by Tuff Times Never Last (2025). Their work reflects a deeply collaborative ethos, with connections across London’s jazz network including projects linked to SEED Ensemble and artists emerging from the same creative community.

Kokoroko’s music celebrates diasporic identity and collective musicianship, positioning them as both torchbearers of tradition and innovators of a distinctly modern British jazz sound.