The prestigious £25,000 prize celebrates the best British or Irish album of the last 12 months.
The quintet were nominated alongside artists Jessie Ware, J Hus, Arctic Monkeys, Fred Again and Raye.
Accepting the award, drummer Femi Koleoso said the group '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.'
The Royal Academy of Music is very proud of this dynamic group’s milestone achievement. The band includes 2022 graduate Ife Ogunjobi (jazz trumpet) who was also a member of Junior Jazz before starting undergraduate studies at the Academy. Femi Koleoso and Joe Armon-Jones also attended the Academy’s Junior Jazz course.
Junior Academy offers a unique opportunity for talented young musicians from all backgrounds to develop all aspects of their musicianship in a creative learning environment – and form strong bonds and lifelong friendships along the way.
This year the Academy celebrates 20 years of Junior Jazz. Join us on 30 September when we celebrate this special anniversary with a concert in the Susie Sainsbury Theatre.
Image: Justin de Nooijer