The multi-award winning Ezra Collective, Afrobeat royalty Seun Kuti and drum’n’bass pioneer Goldie are the latest acts confirmed for 2025’s Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival (11-13 July 2025, Birmingham).
They join the previously announced War and DJ Craig Charles.
One of the hottest live acts in the UK, Ezra Collective‘s Where I’m Meant To Be was the first jazz album to win the coveted Mercury Prize in the award’s 31 year history. Their historic 2023 win wasn’t their only notable award last year, as the collective were also crowned Best Jazz Act at the MOBO Awards as well as being named Time Out’s Londoners of 2023.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the quintet’s third album, the recently released Dance, No One’s Watching, is an ode to the sacred yet joyous act of dancing. Written throughout 2023 as Eza Collective toured the world, the LP documents the dance floors they encountered, earning the band their first UK Top 10 album.
Continuing to break down barriers, this year will also see the collective become the first ever UK jazz act to headline London’s Wembley Arena.
The youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Seun Kuti is renowned for his socially conscious music and captivating live performances – with his powerful lyrics and infectious grooves both preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy.
Just released, Seun Kuti and Egypt 80’s latest album is Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head). Executive produced by Lenny Kravitz and Fela’s original engineer Sodi Marciszewer (artistic producer), it features guest appearances from Damian Marley and Sampa The Great.
Raised in Wolverhampton, Goldie has had a huge influence on British and international culture. Since emerging during the 1990s, his career has taken him in many directions (including acting), yet he remains a powerful presence in music – as proven by his jaw-dropping appearance at 2023’s Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival. He’ll be returning to the West Midlands festival for a DJ set.
Also added to the bill are Tom McGuire and The Brassholes. Former Glaswegian buskers, the brass-powered soul/ funk band came to widespread attention with their 2019 debut single, Ric Flair. Since then, they’ve opened for Craig Charles and George Clinton, and headlined several Scottish festivals.
John Fell, Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul’s Manager, said: “With a flood of major accolades, Ezra Collective have had an incredible 12-18 months. They’re not just one of the hottest jazz acts in the country, but one of the hottest acts from any genre.
“Add in Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, as well as Goldie, War and Craig Charles, and 2025’s festival is already shaping up to be a classic – and we still have some more surprises to announce …”
Based at Moseley Park and Pool, in the Birmingham suburb of Moseley, Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival runs from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 July 2025. Since debuting in 2010, the festival has persistently boasted a diverse line-up that combines trailblazing A-list international artists with innovative and emerging Brit acts.
Further 2025 line-up additions will be announced over the coming months.
For more information and tickets for Moseley, Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival 2025, see: mostlyjazz.co.uk