Jazz quintet Ezra Collective has made history by winning this year’s coveted Mercury Prize, the first jazz album to win the British music award. The London group, formed of drummer Femi Koleoso, bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, saxophonist James Mollison, and trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, beat contenders including rock band Arctic Monkeys, rapper Loyle Carner, and singer Raye for the trophy and a cash prize of 25,000 British pounds.
The London-based ensemble met at the youth jazz program Tomorrow’s Warriors, run by musician Gary Crosby, and was soon recognized as a force to be reckoned with on the UK music scene. They released their debut, You Can’t Steal My Joy, in 2019, a fusion of the influences they grew up with Afrobeat, jazz, reggae, salsa, and hip-hop. But it was their follow-up, aptly titled Where I’m Meant to Be, which proved to be the one that cemented their place at the heart of the city’s buzzing jazz scene.
During the star-studded ceremony held at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on Thursday night, a host of shortlisted artists performed live. Those who took the stage included Jessie Ware, J Hus, Fred Again, PJ Harvey, and Little Simz, whose fourth album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, won her the prize last year.
An independent judging panel, comprising music critic Will Hodgkinson and DJs Jamz Supernova and MistaJam, selected the shortlist. This year, the ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Lauren Laverne and featured performances from all nine of the nominees. The prize was awarded to the best album by a British or Irish artist of the past 12 months.
In his acceptance speech, bandleader Koleoso praised his team and the public for their support. “We are going to go and change the stigma around jazz, that image of sitting down with a glass of red wine, you’re just going to have to get rid of that,” he said. “I’m very grateful to God for this, and I’m grateful to my friends for all their love and support.”
The other nominees for the prize were alt-rock band JANE, grime duo Jockstrap, alternative dance act Lulu, and singer-songwriter Raye. Earlier this month, the group scored top spot in the BBC’s Sound of 2023 poll, which selects the music industry’s biggest names and emerging talent to watch out for in the coming years.
Ezra Collective’s win marks the first time a jazz album has secured the prize, based on public vote and given to the most outstanding record of the year. The prize is voted on by BBC radio DJs and music industry experts, with the winners announced in a glittering awards ceremony at the Hammersmith Apollo.
This is the 22nd year of the Mercury Prize, and it has become known for its remit to celebrate musical diversity and innovation. The prize was previously won by acts such as Suede, Pulp, and PJ Harvey. Previous winners include Little Simz and Sons of Kemet, who have both since gone on to pursue solo careers.
