The London group are the first Jazz band to win the award since 1992
Ezra Collective, comprising of bassist TJ Koleoso, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, saxophonist James Mollison and keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, have reflected the growing popularity of the London jazz scene with their 2023 Mercury Prize win. Going up against nominees like Loyle Carner and Irish band Lankum, The Ezra collective have won a £25,000 prize and an award that has been received by UK music legends such as Skepta and Giggs.
The first jazz group to win the prize, bandleader Femi Koleoso credits the win down to the “good, special people that put time and effort in young people playing music” and intends to continue to support that effort. The idea of supporting young peoples' music ambitions is something that means a lot to the group, especially due to the fact that they originally all met within a youth club. Femi mentions Tomorrow’s Warriors and Kinetica Bloco as some of the collectives they intend to support.
Learn more about The 2023 Mercury Prize
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