JOY - Ezra Collective, Royal Albert Hall 7/11/23

2023 has been Ezra Collective's year. As the title of their Mercury Prize-winning album attests, this is where they are meant to be. 

Having seen them play at the Hammersmith Apollo back in March I jumped at the chance to see them again and I was not disappointed. One word to sum up this gig: joy. You could tell the group were having the time of their lives playing this iconic venue - and the audience were too.

Drummer and frontman Femi Koleoso gave an impassioned speech about love and finding joy in a world where there seems to be little of it at the moment. At times it felt like going to church (in a good way) and Koleoso had a great tactic in getting the crowd up and out of their seats by getting them to introduce each other to a stranger. That camaraderie rarely happens at gigs, but at the Church of Ezra Collective it's compulsory.

There were great surprise guests too: Emeli Sandé, Kojey Radical, Loyle Carner and JME. The RAH was vibing and it was the best gig I've seen there (quite a feat as I went to a bunch of Proms there this summer).

I cannot wait to see where Ezra Collective go next. 

Where I'm Meant to be is out now.

Photo: Aliyah Otchere