Ezra Collective’s performance at Bahidorá 2025 was a highly anticipated event, and for good reason. The British jazz collective, winner of the Mercury Prize, had been making waves with their unique sound and energetic live shows. Their latest album, “Dance (no one’s watching),” pays tribute to the art of dance as a way of making sense of life and finding joy.
The band’s drummer and leader, Femi Koleoso, is an atypical frontman, with a charisma that’s hard to ignore. He’s not just a talented musician, but also a skilled animator, able to work the crowd and create a lively atmosphere. As he took the stage, he asked the audience, “Hello, Mexico. How do you feel?” before launching into their set. The energy was electric, with the crowd eagerly awaiting their performance.
Ezra Collective’s music is all about preserving the tradition of jazz while giving it a modern twist. Their sound is a fusion of different styles, from jazz and funk to Afrobeat and hip-hop. The band’s members are all highly talented musicians, and their passion for music is evident in their performances. As Femi said, “Since we formed this band, we dream of coming to Latin America and the question is: Who is ready to dance with Ezra Collective?”
The crowd was more than ready to dance, and the band delivered a high-energy performance that got everyone moving. Femi’s infectious enthusiasm was evident as he asked the audience to greet each other, saying “It doesn’t matter if they are strangers; tell the person next to you that you’re happy to see them.” The audience responded enthusiastically, and soon the whole crowd was dancing and singing along.
One of the highlights of the show was the band’s performance of “God Gave Me Feet For Dancing,” a song that reaffirms dance as a fundamental part of human nature. The song’s upbeat rhythm and catchy melody had the crowd dancing and waving their arms in the air. Another standout track was “Ajala,” which has a more laid-back, Afrobeat-inspired vibe. The song’s title refers to the Nigerian journalist Olabisi Ajala, who became famous for traveling over 80 countries on a Vespa motorcycle. The word “ajala” has since become a slang term in Nigeria, meaning “someone who cannot remain still.” Ezra Collective’s interpretation of the word is all about embracing the joy of dance and music.
As the night wore on, Femi continued to work the crowd, urging everyone to let go of their worries and come together in the spirit of joy. “Right now, if you are sad or happy, forget all this because each person here must choose to be cheerful. Now, we turn this festival into a temple of joy… let’s live the joy together,” he exclaimed. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, and the energy in the room became electric.
Overall, Ezra Collective’s performance at Bahidorá 2025 was an unforgettable experience. The band’s unique sound, combined with their infectious energy and charisma, made for a truly special night. As the crowd filed out of the festival grounds, they were all buzzing with excitement, already planning their next Ezra Collective fix.
Ezra Collective in Bahidorá 2025
The band’s performance was a testament to the power of music to bring people together. With their unique sound and energetic live show, Ezra Collective has won over fans around the world. Their music is a fusion of different styles, from jazz and funk to Afrobeat and hip-hop. The band’s members are all highly talented musicians, and their passion for music is evident in their performances.
The dance as a symbol of union and joy
Ezra Collective’s music is all about embracing the joy of dance and music. Their album “Dance (no one’s watching)” pays tribute to the art of dance as a way of making sense of life and finding joy. The band’s performance at Bahidorá 2025 was a celebration of this idea, with the crowd dancing and singing along to their infectious rhythms.
The band’s music is a testament to the power of dance to bring people together. As Femi said, “Last year we released this album and decided to go around the world inviting everyone to dance as if the world did not look at them.” The message resonated with the crowd, who were eager to let go of their worries and come together in the spirit of joy.
Ezra Collective Gallery in Bahidorá 2025
For those who missed the show, or want to relive the experience, here are some photos from Ezra Collective’s performance at Bahidorá 2025. The band’s energy and charisma are evident in these images, which capture the excitement and joy of their live show. From Femi’s infectious enthusiasm to the crowd’s energetic dancing, these photos showcase the magic of Ezra Collective’s performance.