Photo courtesy of the Mercury Prize
Ezra Collective have won the 2023 Mercury Prize, becoming the first jazz act ever to win the annual award. The Mercury Prize is awarded to one oustanding British album released in the previous calendar year. Ezra Collective won for their November 2022 album Where I'm Meant To Be.
Accepting the award from DJ Jamz Supernova, Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso said, "This moment that we're celebrating right here is testament to good, special people putting time and effort into young people to play music."
He continued: “This is not just a result for Ezra Collective, or for U.K. jazz, but this is a special moment for every single organization across the country, ploughing efforts and time into young people playing music."
Ezra Collective were among a group of 12 nominees, beating competition from Arctic Monkeys, Jessie Ware, Raye, Fred Again.., J Hus, Shygirl, Jockstrap, Lankum, Young Fathers, Loyle Carner, and Olivia Dean. Last year the Mercury Prize was given to Little Simz for her album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.
Check out Ezra Collective's performance of Where I'm Meant To Be song "Victory Dance" at the 2023 Mercury Prize ceremony below.