Ezra Collective have announced their fourth studio album, ‘Here Because Of Hope’, alongside the release of a new single titled ‘Only Love’, which features UK rapper Pa Salieu.The London-based jazz group will release the follow-up to their 2024 album ‘Dance, No One’s Watching’ on 18 September via Partisan Records.The project has been described as expansive, emotional and deeply rhythmic, and will include contributions from a range of artists and collaborators.

Among these are BAFTA-winning actor Letitia Wright, who provides spoken-word interludes across three tracks, as well as vocal features from Lila Iké, Leona Lewis and Libianca.The album’s lead single, ‘Only Love’, marks the first collaboration between Ezra Collective and Pa Salieu.The track blends West African-inspired rhythms with horns and lyrical themes rooted in resilience, joy and survival.

According to bandleader Femi Koleoso, the song emerged from a shared creative process that drew on Gambian musical influences and personal storytelling.He explained that the group sought to balance pain and joy through music, with hope acting as the central connecting theme.

Ezra Collective described the album as reflecting a transition from youthful energy to a more mature perspective, shaped by both personal joy and awareness of global struggles.

They emphasised that the record aims to inspire both dancing and reflection, weaving narratives of community, spirituality and collective experience throughout its 17-track structure.The album also features multiple spoken-word sections and collaborations that reinforce its thematic depth.

The group previously performed ‘Only Love’ live at Radio 1’s Big Weekend and are set to appear at several UK and European festivals this summer, including Lost Village.

They continue to build on their reputation as one of the most influential acts in contemporary British jazz, following their Mercury Prize and BRIT Award successes.