The world of music has been reacting to Ezra Collective‘s 2023 Mercury Prize victory for their album ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’.

The jazz group have been declared the general winner of the distinguished award earlier tonight (September 7) after beating off competitors from fellow favourites Jockstap, Loyle Carner and Younger Fathers at a reside ceremony on the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith.

Jazz FM have been one of many first to congratulate the band as have been Tough Commerce who wrote: “Where you’re meant to be. Big up @EzraCollective, @MercuryPrize 2023 champions. The ever-eclectic image of what British jazz should be has been nurtured in your capable hands. Can’t wait for what’s next.”

The Mayor Of London’s Tradition workforce additionally went on to congratulate the collective as did Chair of the BMA Racial & Ethnic Equality Discussion board, Chaand Nagpaul who wrote: “Delighted @EzraCollective is first ever jazz band to deservedly win Mercury Prize 2023,” earlier than he shared a clip of the band performing reside earlier this yr.

Many followers additionally hailed the victory with one writing: “Ezra Collective winning the Mercurys is SUCH a good result. New London jazz scene has needed some recognition for so long.”

One other added: “Yesssss Ezra! Knew you could do it! Congratulations on winning the #Mercuryprize you deserve all the glory for what you do with you music.”

One different fan wrote: “I’m literally speechless this is amazing, a contemporary jazz band winning the Mercury prize, get in!”

Talking about their victory on the night time, the Mercury Prize judging panel additionally stated: “It wasn’t simple to decide on an general winner from such an eclectic and thrilling listing, however finally the judges have been unanimous: Ezra Collective, the London five-piece made up of Femi Koleoso on drums, TJ Koleoso on bass, Joe-Armon Jones on keys, James Mollison on saxophone and Ife Ogunjobi on trumpet are a dwelling argument for placing the hours in, attaining musical brilliance, and tapping right into a joyous spirit that ensures their album is as enjoyable as it’s spectacular.

“The British jazz renaissance of the past decade has been one of the most significant developments in modern music. Now, ‘Where I’m Meant To Be’, with its touches of reggae, soul, Latin and Afrobeats, its call and response riffs and rhythmic intensity, is a landmark not only for jazz, but for contemporary music in general.”