Ezra Collective Returns: “Only Love” Feat. Pa Salieu & The Announcement of ‘Here Because of Hope’

The wait is finally over. Ezra Collective—London’s Mercury Prize and BRIT-winning jazz pioneers—have officially stepped back into the spotlight with their new single, “Only Love” (feat. Pa Salieu).

If you’ve been following the band’s trajectory, this isn’t just another track; it’s our first real look at their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Here Because of Hope. After absolutely redefining what modern jazz can sound like over the last few years, the quintet is back to prove exactly why they’re the most vital group in the UK right now.

A Collaboration Born in the Crowd

“Only Love” feels like a natural evolution, but its origins are actually rooted in a specific, electric moment. Bandleader Femi Koleoso explained that the spark for this collaboration happened right in the middle of their massive 2024 Wembley Arena show.

Looking out into the sea of people, Femi spotted Pa Salieu dancing in the crowd with his friends. That split-second observation turned into a mission: they needed to make a song built specifically for that kind of energy.

To nail that feeling, the band dug deep, pulling influence from Gambian music to craft those signature driving basslines and intricate percussion. It’s a brilliant fusion—you get the technical jazz chops the band is known for, mixed with the grit and raw lyrical honesty that makes Pa Salieu such a force. It sounds like a party, but it’s built with purpose.

Stepping Into a New Era: Here Because of Hope

Mark your calendars for September 18, 2026 (via Partisan Records). The band has been candid about where their heads are at for this one; they’ve described their earlier work as them “playing as children,” while Here Because of Hope is meant to represent their growth “as adults.”

The 17-track record is shaping up to be massive, not just in size but in scope. The feature list alone is enough to get excited about, including:

• Letitia Wright: Contributing spoken-word pieces that anchor the album’s narrative.

• Lila Iké, Leona Lewis, and Libianca.

From what we’ve heard, the band is pushing past the high-octane anthems that made them famous to explore heavier, more reflective themes about community and history.

Why They Still Matter

It’s genuinely rare to see a jazz band hit the mainstream like this, but Ezra Collective has never really played by the traditional “jazz” rulebook. They’ve managed to bridge the gap between Afrobeat, calypso, reggae, and soul without ever losing that human touch.

Winning the Mercury Prize in 2023 and the BRIT Award for “Group of the Year” in 2025 wasn’t just a win for the band—it was proof that music centered on joy and community can still dominate the conversation.

Hear the New Single

“Only Love” (feat. Pa Salieu) is out everywhere today. If you’re a fan of their live energy, this track captures that intensity perfectly.