Ezra Collective signs to Partisan Records

Co-founded by Tim Putnam and Ian Wheeler in 2007, the label also boasts offices in London and Los Angeles, and represents Nigeria’s Femi and Made Kuti, Nigerien guitarist Bombino, and Tunisian singer-songwriter and producer Emel Mathlouthi, among others.

The British-Nigerian jazz quintet – popular for their unique fusion of Afrobeat, Latin music, hip hop and soul – comprises drummer and bandleader Femi Koleoso, bassist TJ Koleoso, keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi and tenor saxophonist James Mollison.

“We are so proud and excited to welcome Ezra Collective to our roster,” Partisan Records managing director Zena White said. “Having been fans of their world-class musicianship for years, we are so happy to bring their music and message to our daily work and can’t wait to support them in the next years of their flourishing career.”

The deal coincides with the release of Ezra Collective’s latest singe ‘Victory Dance’. The summer-ready, salsa-infused track, which comes with a Femi Ladi-directed video, is available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.

“‘Victory Dance’ embodies that feeling when something brings joy and the expression is beyond words,” Femi Koleoso said. “Not everyday talk. Sometimes you just have to dance instead.”