Ezra Collective Brings in Latin Influences on Their Latest Single ‘Only Love’  

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London-based quintet Ezra Collective is back, teaming up with Coventry rapper Pa Salieu. ‘Only Love‘ is a joyous, summery floor-filler. It blends the band’s jazz background with a strong Latin groove and a deeply infectious chorus. 

Having formed in 2012 and released their debut album in 2019, the band has taken the contemporary jazz world by storm in recent years. They draw on a diverse blend of influences ranging from hip-hop and soul to calypso and Afrobeat. Their last album – 2024’s ‘Dance, No One’s Watching‘ – was released to near universal acclaim. The accompanying tour culminated in a performance at Wembley Arena. It made them the very first UK jazz act to headline the venue. 

Now they return with the first offering from their forthcoming album, ‘Here Because of Hope‘. Set for release on 18th September, the album is due to sport guest vocals from Jamaican singer Lila Iké, British singer-songwriter Leona Lewis, and Cameroonian singer Libianca. (The album will also feature spoken word by Black Panther star Letitia Wright.) 

While their last record leaned heavily into the band’s calypso, Afrobeat, and soul influences, the new single sports a decidedly Latin feel. It opens with a declamatory horn fanfare from trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi and saxophonist James Mollison.  

The rhythm section firmly establishes the track’s Afro-Cuban groove. TJ Koleoso’s bassline is bobbing and weaving around brother Femi’s son clave drumbeat. Rounding out the harmony, Joe Armon-Jones’ Rhodes piano is complemented perfectly by an absurdly funky, Fela Kuti-esque guitar riff before giving way to the opening verse. 

Salieu’s performance is undeniably the star of the show here. His initially laid-back delivery belies the emotional intensity of the lyrics. Drawing heavily on personal experience, the rapped verses depict a life of poverty, violence, and imprisonment. Meanwhile, the soaring melody of the chorus brings home the central theme: finding beauty, joy, and love, even in times of pain and suffering. All the while, the band’s tasteful arrangement perfectly complements his vocal. 

Keeping the instrumentation varied by adding and subtracting elements, they leave space when needed and propel the track along in constant motion. This allows them to cram numerous peaks and valleys into its three-minute runtime. 

Overall, the song manages to expertly straddle the line between catchy, radio-friendly banger and modern jazz fusion. While Ezra Collective’s roots are firmly on display, the combination of infectious grooves, contemporary hip-hop, and a concise, anthemic chorus could easily see it become a bona fide crossover hit. Pa Salieu’s powerhouse vocal performance – and the all too relevant lyrics – are a perfect match for the Collective’s sound. If ‘Only Love‘ is any indication of the forthcoming album’s quality, this band continues to move from strength to strength. Long may it continue. 

Ezra Collective is on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Read more music news here and stream the track below or buy it.

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