The UK jazz group Ezra Collective, known for their Mercury Prize and BRIT Award accolades, has launched a new single and music video titled “Jubilee Feeling.” This release precedes their eagerly awaited album Here Because of Hope, which will be available on 11 September 2026. The ensemble, led by drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso, has established itself as an influential presence in modern jazz, combining various musical elements from jazz, Afrobeat, hip-hop, soul, and UK dance.
This latest track comes after Ezra Collective’s debut at the Montreux Jazz Festival Franschhoek this year, where they showcased their energetic live style to audiences in South Africa. “Jubilee Feeling” merges the harmonic features of UK jazz with the vibrant spirit of 2010s Funky House, creating a lively tribute to London’s Black musical heritage, highlighted by Joe Armon-Jones’ spirited piano work.
Koleoso speaks to the personal significance of the term Jubilee: “Jubilee is a word that means a great deal to me. It’s connected to the church where I grew up and the youth group I work with, but beyond that, its meaning really resonates with me – a time when debts are cleared, prisoners are released and people are given the chance to begin again. I see it as a kind of equalisation, a moment of celebration and a fresh start.”
The music video, directed by Ebeneza Blanche and shot in London, takes its cues from the nightlife and rave scene of the early 2000s. The styling and visuals bring to life the distinctive atmosphere of that era’s nightclub experiences. The video captures the spontaneity and excitement of a night out, juxtaposing the ensemble’s jazz talents within a modern club environment.
Describing the video, Koleoso notes, “We wanted the video to capture that tension – the look and atmosphere feel rooted in the early 2000s, while the music is completely fresh. Nights out can take you in unexpected directions, but often lead to that incredible moment of shared happiness – that’s the Jubilee Feeling.”
The upcoming Here Because of Hope highlights the evolution of Black music from West Africa through the Caribbean and into the UK, illustrating how these influences have shaped and transformed generations.
