The Guardian is partnering with Love Supreme festival this year, where we will host a live Q&A with UK jazz heroes Ezra Collective. Readers are invited to submit their questions for the five-piece instrumental group, who have electrified stages from Glastonbury to Wembley Arena over the past decade.
Historic Achievements and Musical Style
Ezra Collective made history in 2023 by becoming the first jazz act to win the Mercury Prize, and they won Best Group at the Brit Awards in 2025. Their sound blends jazz tradition with West African melodies and rhythms, inspired by bandleader Femi Koleoso and his brother, bassist TJ Koleoso's upbringing.
Origins and Early Years
Formed in 2012 after meeting at the grassroots jazz workshop Tomorrow's Warriors, the group sneaked into London's Ronnie Scott's club to watch elder greats like drummer Tony Allen. Their debut EP, Chapter 7, was released independently in 2016, coinciding with a new wave of young players like saxophonist Nubya Garcia and drummer Moses Boyd, who attracted a younger audience to jazz.
Albums and Collaborations
Ezra Collective have released three albums spanning spiritual jazz, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, anchored by dancefloor rhythms. Collaborators include rappers Loyle Carner and Kojey Radical, singers Olivia Dean and Jorja Smith, and Arsenal legend Ian Wright. Their fourth album, Here Because of Hope, arrives in September.
Youth Mentorship and Community Work
The group highlighted the importance of youth clubs during their Mercury Prize speech. They regularly hold mentoring workshops for young musicians and have collaborated with youth groups like Kinetika Bloco at Glastonbury and the Brit Awards.
How to Submit Questions
On Friday 3 July at 4pm, a Guardian journalist will interview Ezra Collective at Love Supreme festival in East Sussex. The band is especially keen to hear from music students, teachers, and young people. Write your questions in the comments below; the best will be asked on stage, and a summary will be posted online.
