By UltimateRecaps.com
Tonight, Montreux was on fire — not literally, but musically. Ezra Collective, the UK jazz-fusion giants and Mercury Prize winners, lit up the Montreux Jazz Festival 2025 stage with an unforgettable performance that fused Afrobeat, hip-hop, reggae, salsa, and gospel into a genre-defying experience. Fans from across the globe gathered at the Casino Barrière Montreux, and online viewers tuned in via livestream for what may go down as one of the most iconic jazz performances of the decade.
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🔥 A Historic First at Montreux
Although Ezra Collective previously appeared as part of Quincy Jones’s birthday celebration in 2018, this was their first full headline concert at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival — and they owned every second of it. Sharing the night with acclaimed saxophonist Nubya Garcia, this performance marked a milestone for the collective and for the festival itself.
The crowd erupted from the moment they opened with “You Are Here” and flowed into a high-octane setlist that included “Victory Dance,” “Welcome to My World,” and “Ego Killah.” Their closing piece, “Chapter 7,” left the room stunned and dancing.
📝 Full Setlist: Ezra Collective – Montreux 2025 Setlist
🏆 Mercury Prize Momentum
Ezra Collective made headlines in 2023 as the first-ever jazz act to win the Mercury Prize, breaking boundaries for modern jazz acts. Their award-winning album Where I’m Meant to Be was a seismic moment in UK music history and continues to influence global jazz culture.
This momentum has pushed the group beyond genre confines and made them a beacon for Gen Z’s jazz revival. Their music speaks to younger audiences through rhythm-heavy compositions and relatable messaging, positioning them at the intersection of tradition and evolution.
🎶 The Sound That Moved Montreux
Ezra Collective isn’t just a jazz band — they’re a movement. Their 2024 album “Dance, No One’s Watching” celebrates freedom through rhythm. It blends Afrobeat grooves, dub basslines, and gospel flair, all performed with infectious joy.
Their track “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing” was a centerpiece tonight, proving why their music connects so powerfully with Gen Z. Whether you’re a jazz purist or a newcomer, Ezra’s mix of danceable beats and spiritual depth hits hard.
🎶 For similar vibes, check out our Diana Ross & Norah Jones at North Sea Jazz breakdown.
🌍 Global Appeal, Local Roots
Ezra Collective’s roots in London’s jazz circuit are well known. They’ve come a long way from playing underground gigs to sharing stages with the likes of Kamasi Washington and Jorja Smith. Their performances are equal parts spiritual experience and cultural celebration — something that deeply resonated tonight in Montreux.
Their collaboration with Nubya Garcia only amplified the magic. Together, they highlighted the UK jazz scene’s global influence in 2025, a movement driven by talent, innovation, and diversity.
📡 Streaming the Energy Live
Fans unable to attend the live event were able to stream the show via the official Montreux Jazz Festival YouTube channel. The energy translated perfectly even through screens — from trumpet solos to wild drum breaks, Ezra Collective delivered a digital experience worthy of their stage presence.
📽️ Don’t miss our ATEEZ Citi Field Concert Review — another show that rocked fans online and off.
📈 LiveRate & Critical Praise
Ezra Collective isn’t just winning hearts; they’re winning scores. According to LiveRate, they hold a 91% performance rating, placing them among the top 1% of live jazz acts. Their Montreux set will likely push that rating even higher.
If you’re curious how other big-name performances stack up, check our recent breakdown of Kendrick Lamar & SZA in Amsterdam — a similarly praised show in terms of fan engagement and critical buzz.
📰 Festival Highlights & Coverage
Ezra’s set was a centerpiece of the Montreux Jazz Festival’s epic 2025 lineup, which also included Diana Ross, Neil Young, and RAYE.
🗞️ Read: Independent UK’s Festival Preview
📰 Also on AOL News
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How can I watch Ezra Collective’s Montreux 2025 performance?
You can watch the full concert via the Montreux Jazz Festival’s official YouTube channel. We will also embed the full performance in this post as soon as it’s available.
What songs did Ezra Collective perform at Montreux 2025?
They performed a powerful set including “You Are Here,” “Victory Dance,” “Welcome to My World,” “No Confusion Lady,” and “Chapter 7.” For the full list, see Setlist.fm.
What makes Ezra Collective different from other jazz bands?
Ezra Collective blends jazz with Afrobeat, gospel, hip-hop, and more. Their sound resonates with Gen Z listeners and earned them the Mercury Prize, breaking barriers in jazz history.
📌 Final Thoughts
Ezra Collective’s Montreux 2025 concert wasn’t just a show — it was a statement. A fusion of rhythm, culture, and musical mastery, their performance is proof that jazz isn’t just alive — it’s evolving, and it’s electric.
Stay tuned to UltimateRecaps.com for the full performance video, setlist updates, and behind-the-scenes access to the most epic shows in 2025.