We are proud to see two of our world-leading alumni recognised among the major winners at last night’s Jazz FM Awards 2026.
Ezra Collective received the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to UK Jazz award, while multi-instrumentalist and composer Emma-Jean Thackray was honoured with the Innovation Award. The ceremony, held at KOKO in Camden, brought together artists from across jazz, soul and blues for one of the genre’s most high-profile annual events.
Ezra Collective have become one of the defining groups of their generation, blending jazz with Afrobeat, hip-hop and soul influences. Their recognition for Outstanding Contribution marks a significant milestone in a career that has already seen Mercury Prize success and widespread critical acclaim.
Accepting the award, Ezra Collective drummer and band leader, Femi Koleoso said: “I want to celebrate as always, every teacher that is pouring their time, effort and love into young people playing instruments, because that is the legacy that we are standing on right now.
“And more personally I want to celebrate the UK jazz legends that we are standing on the shoulders of – like Mr Courtney Pine. Like Jason Yarde and Gary Crosby. Like Nikki Yeoh. Like Binker Golding and Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings. I want to celebrate that entire legacy.”
Meanwhile, Emma-Jean Thackray’s Innovation Award recognises her genre-defying work as a composer, producer and performer. Known for her boundary-pushing approach, often writing, recording and performing entire projects herself, Emma-Jean has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary UK jazz.