Femi Koleoso: ‘This is the solution to almost every social justice issue we have’

Femi Koleoso is the bandleader of the award-winning jazz group Ezra Collective. He was born in London in 1994 and started playing drums at an early age, later joining the jazz youth programme Tomorrow’s Warriors, where the quintet came together. Ezra Collective have released three albums since 2019; their second, Where I’m Meant to Be, won them the Mercury prize in 2023. Koleoso, who has also played with Jorja Smith and Gorillaz, and volunteers for a youth club in north London, will present The People’s Party on BBC Radio 6 Music and BBC Sounds every Friday, from 7pm, from 2 January. 

Fuji Rock, Japan

This was my first festival in Japan and I saw the reserved culture I encountered on previous visits on rocket fuel. Everyone was so generous and gracious. But once the music started, it took this leap of life. I was watching Japanese metal bands I’d never heard of and people going insane. I saw a Fred Again show and the fans were so passionate. Little Simz did an incredible show wearing a Japanese football kit. It’s one of my favourite festivals in the world.

Mestizo, London NW1

I spent February in Mexico with Ezra Collective and that was my baptism for Mexican food – it’s got so much flavour and heart. It’s hard to get really good Mexican cuisine in the UK but Mestizo in Camden has a really good stab at it. Their tacos are incredible, particularly the fish tacos. The salsas are good, the vegetables are fresh, and they have a really good mezcal selection. It makes you feel like, OK, I can’t be in Mexico right now, but this is a close second.

Olivia Dean

I was introduced to Olivia Dean’s music because I was mentoring someone who got a gig as a drummer in her band. I was like, amazing, I’m going to support this. It all grew in the most beautifully organic way, from tiny venues to playing the O2. Her latest record, The Art of Loving, is brilliant. Musically, you hear the Motown influences, but it’s packaged in a 2025 way. She’s a great lyricist, and it’s nice to see someone on stage with a tambourine who’s not a Gallagher.

My Father’s Shadow (2025, dir. Akinola Davies)

This is an expression of Nigeria that I think is quite rare, portraying the beauty and energy of the country but also the pain and difficulty of it. It’s about a father – brilliantly played by Sope Dirisu – living through conflict and trying to protect his kids from the reality of what’s going on. It takes you there in a really powerful way and I love that it allows someone like me to articulate where I’m from just that bit better [Koleoso has Nigerian heritage]. It’s truly fantastic. For me, it’s Nigeria’s answer to City of God.

Manor Place, London SE17

This is so sick. Nike and Palace Skateboards have collaborated on a youth club in south London. It’s a skate park with football pitches and an art space that’s completely free of charge. It’s safe, it’s well-lit, it’s accessible. If you’re having a tough time at school and feeling frustrations bubbling up, you can expel those negative energies here in a positive way. This, for me, is the solution to almost every social justice issue we have in our country. It’s to be celebrated and imitated.

Eberechi Eze

This man is brilliant. He was rejected from every London football team as a kid but ended up playing for Crystal Palace and scoring a goal last year to win the FA Cup, their first ever major trophy. Then Arsenal buys him – he’s an Arsenal fan, as am I – and he becomes their number 10. Then he scores a hat-trick against Tottenham. He’s such a wonderful role model. I think, culturally, the country is richer because of men like him. I wouldn’t be surprised if his story becomes a film one day.

Photographs by Getty Images, BFA/Mubi