The Latest Breaking News from Ezra Collective

London five-piece are the first jazz band to win the award for best British or Irish album of the year

Band say unexpected win is ‘testimony to good, special people putting time and effort’ into helping young people to play music

Jazz and electronic festival’s new location brings with it some teething problems, but the magic of this event is simply unmatched

Ezra Collective, Jockstrap, and Shygirl are also standouts from the shortlist

Winner for best album will be crowned on Thursday 7 September

There are first-time nods for the likes of Fred Again, Lankum, Jockstrap and Raye, and repeat recognition for acts including J Hus and Jessie Ware

Femi Koleoso, an alumnus of the charity Kinetika Bloco, says ‘heartbreaking’ decline of musical education must be overcome

Mariana, 34, a publishing rights manager, meets Oliver, 32, an account manager at a creative agency

With a respect for tradition but a desire to break down barriers, Ezra Collective has established itself as one of the most exciting formations in the fascinating London jazz scene. Mixing jazz and afrobeat as well as more contemporary music like grime, their tunes have been described as “fast energetic…