Ezra Collective announce initiative for young Black women in music
Ezra Collective have announced a new initiative through their charity foundation to help young Black women gain experience in the music industry.
The band announced the scheme in an Instagram post with the Ezra Collective Future Foundation on April 1st, explaining that they are “excited to announce five new paid opportunities for young Black women to learn, grow and gain real industry experience with our behind the scenes team in May 2025.”
They continued: “We are trying to do our bit in increasing the diversity and representation amongst touring crews.”
The opportunities Ezra Collective and their foundation are offering include training, mentorship, and work experience for young Black women looking to make their first steps into a backstage career in the industry, from artist and tour management, live sound, technicians, and band leadership.
Ezra Collective, the jazz quintet comprised of drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso, bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, and saxophonist James Mollison rose to prominence as the 2023 winners of the Mercury Prize for their album Where I’m Meant to Be, as well as scooping the award for ‘Group of the Year’ at this year’s Brits.
Alongside their music, Ezra Collective are passionate about philanthropic causes and championing underrepresented groups, as the band were brought together by a music scheme in a London youth club.
They have now formed the Ezra Collective Future Foundation to further that vision, starting with their scheme to increase opportunities for Black women in music.
Applications for the scheme close on April 11th, and more information can be found on the Ezra Collective Future Foundation website.
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