black joy

"when the poems do what they do" is the title of the debut record by poet and organizer aja monet and it takes us on a musical and lyrical journey of what words can do. From ancestry to political activism and vulnerable self-expression, the record is a document of the true power of poetry and jazz. In our conversation, aja shares detailed insights about the visions behind it.

The Londoner five-piece Ezra Collective released their exuberant new record "Where I'm Meant To Be" via Partisan Records in November. It follows their debut record "You Can't Steal My Joy". We caught up with the band's drummer Femi Koleoso to talk about the role that joy plays in his life, the Londoner music community, and the similarities between jazz and boxing.