Ezra Collective are the winners of the 2023 Mercury Music Price, which gets them £25,000 in cash and some much needed publicity.

We believe this is the first jazz group to ever win, with the album I’m Meant To Be.

Drummer Femi Koleoso said this “represents something very special because we met in a youth club… This moment that we’re celebrating right here is testament to good, special people putting time and effort into young people to play music… This is not just a result for Ezra Collective, or for UK jazz, but this is a special moment for every single organisation across the country, ploughing efforts and time into young people playing music.”