Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso Hosts Conversation with Eberechi Eze, Leona Lewis, and Yinka Ilori

In a special interview published by The Guardian, Femi Koleoso, bandleader of the Mercury Prize-winning group Ezra Collective, brings together England and Arsenal footballer Eberechi Eze, singer Leona Lewis, and artist Yinka Ilori for a wide-ranging discussion on adversity, creativity, and Black British culture. The conversation, which took place in 2026, explores themes of hope and joy as antidotes to pain, with Koleoso noting that 'on the other side of pain there can be renewal.' The interview also features photographer Temi Adegbayibi, who discusses capturing the energy of music, describing it as 'like painting with light.' Koleoso, who curated the gathering, expressed his desire to bring together people who inspire him and whose work evokes hope and joy. He praised Ilori's art as 'bold, colourful and the perfect embodiment' of joy, and recalled first hearing Lewis on The X Factor, calling her 'one of the most iconic Black British singers we've ever had.' Eze's transfer to Arsenal is highlighted as a meaningful moment for fans, with Koleoso noting it was 'a really beautiful way of seeing that things do work out.' The interview is part of a broader feature on cultural awakenings and resilience within the Black British creative community.