One of London’s most exciting new-generation jazz percussionists Femi Koleoso works and tours with the likes of Pharoahe Monch, Jorja Smith and Nubya Garcia. A familiar face at Brainchild Festival the Ezra Collective Bandleader has played at every festival since it’s inception. Between the Ezralites blowing the roof off the mainstage and grabbing a (BC Festival classic) strawberry slush daiquiri, the drummer from North London took the time to chat to us backstage. We spoke about his early influences growing up with his brother TJ and the methodology behind his DJ sets, to what it was like to meet and interview his idol; afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, collaborating with Zara McFarlane and his favourite seasoning on chicken.
“When I hear a Fela song, I start hearing Donaeo and Crazy Cousinz. To me the two are married together….” You can listen to Femi’s exclusive Afrobeat x UK Funky mix below:
Track list:
Ezra Collective – Colonial Mentality
Fela Kuti on Colonial mentality
Fela Kuti – Shakara (Ossie’s Bump Edit)
Pharoahe Monch Drop
Tribal Skank (Instrumental Extended Mix)
Crazy Cousinz – Inflation (Instrumental)
Lekan Babalola- Oya (Broken Beats-Le Pico Mix)
Fela Kuti – Expensive Shit
Donae’o – Party Hard
Donae’o – African Warrior
Gilles Peterson’s Havana Cultura Band Feat. Mayra Caridad Valdes – Roforofo Fight
Full Crate ft. Papa Ghana – L’Afrique
Fryktion – Soca Man
Tony Allen – Afro Disco Beat
Ty and Tony Allen – Woman to Man
Fela Kuti – Opposite People
Crazy Cousins – Bongo Jam
Fela Kuti – Zombie
Moses Boyd – Rye Lane Shuffle
Fela Kuti – Water No Get Enemy
This interview comes in conjunction with the hottest digital release of the month; Ezra Collective’s fresh EP Juan Pablo The Philosopher. The band will launch the EP at the Islington Assembly Hall on 19th November during the EFG London Jazz Festival. The track in the interview introduction is ‘Space Is The Place’. Check it out here:
📷: Nicholas Lapite
Orlando DM