Speculation swirled around Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo at last night’s Mercury Prize 2023, with no two people agreeing on who to put their money on as eventual winners. Pre-awards, word on the street backed electronic duo Jockstrap as the favourite. On the red carpet, journalists were convinced that Irish quartet Lankum had it in the bag. By the time we were seated, south London soul singer Raye was the front runner.
When London jazz quintet Ezra Collective burst onto the stage with their aptly named single Victory Dance, they made anyone uttering any other name look like a fool. The second of nine nominees to perform, the group erupted with energy from the moment that drummer Femi Koleoso picked up his sticks. It was an explosive performance that showed more than just what the group are capable of, but what London jazz can achieve too. The entire room was on its feet before the song was over.
