Femi Koleoso is a British musician, producer, bandleader, and cultural curator best known as the drummer and creative driving force behind the acclaimed jazz collective Ezra Collective. Born and raised in North London, Femi has emerged as one of the most influential figures in the UK’s contemporary jazz movement, helping to redefine the genre for a new generation by blending jazz with Afrobeat, hip-hop, grime, soul, and Caribbean musical traditions.

Growing up immersed in London’s vibrant cultural landscape, Femi developed a deep appreciation for music as both an artistic and communal experience. This ethos would later become central to his work with Ezra Collective, a band formed with childhood friends who shared a vision of jazz as a living, inclusive, and forward-facing art form. Under Femi’s leadership, Ezra Collective have become standard-bearers for a new wave of British jazz—one rooted in tradition but unafraid to embrace the sounds and stories of modern urban life.

Ezra Collective’s impact has been historic. In 2023, they became the first jazz group ever to win the Mercury Prize, a landmark moment for the genre in the UK. The following year, they further cemented their cultural significance by becoming the first jazz act to sell out Wembley Arena, demonstrating jazz’s renewed relevance and its power to reach audiences at a scale rarely seen in the modern era. These achievements reflect not only the band’s musical excellence but also Femi’s vision of jazz as music that belongs to the people.

Beyond Ezra Collective, Femi is a highly sought-after collaborator and performer, having worked with a diverse range of artists including Gorillaz, Jorja Smith, and many others. His drumming style—dynamic, deeply rhythmic, and rooted in groove—has made him one of the most distinctive voices behind the kit today. As a producer and bandleader, he is equally recognised for his ability to bring musicians together, foster creative freedom, and shape cohesive, powerful musical statements.

In 2025, Femi expanded his influence even further by joining the BBC Radio 6 Music family as a regular presenter. He now hosts The People’s Party, a weekly Friday night show airing from 7–9pm, where he curates an expansive musical journey that reflects his broad tastes and community-focused approach. The show celebrates jazz alongside funk, soul, electronic music, global sounds, and underground culture, reinforcing Femi’s role as both a tastemaker and advocate for diverse musical voices.

Femi is appearing in association with Ludwig Drums Europe.