ICMP was delighted to welcome Ezra Collective's Femi Keleoso to ICMP for a masterclass where he shared industry insights with students.
Femi's band, the London jazz group Ezra Collective won the 2023 Mercury Prize for their album 'Where I'm Meant to Be' and are Ambassadors for our BA (Hons) Songwriting and Production Scholarship.
As part of the session, Femi shared advice from his career with students from a range of different courses alongside discussing why it's important for artists to be true to themselves.
Speaking on Guy Garvey's BBC 6 Music show after the visit, Femi said: "I met this singer as I was doing a talk at this school ICMP, this wonderful music college, with beautiful teachers and wonderful students. Emilie did that beautiful thing when she asked if she could play me some of her music - I was like of course, I'm always wanting to hear new music."
She sent me this song, it blew me away - it's phenomenal. I'm honoured to play this on BBC 6 Music and I'm excited to hear what she does in 2025."
Emile Hunor, who records as Hazel and is a first year BA Songwriting and Production, met Femi at the event and subsequently shared the track with him.
Emile said: "The session with Femi was so great. I kept with me the message he relayed about the importance of authenticity and perseverance, and how beneficial it will ultimately be for you and your music, and career."
After approaching Femi at the end of the session, I ended up showing him my song 'Genesis' under the name Hazel, and he ended up liking it so much that he played it on BBC Radio 6! It was such an honour."
Shane Beales, ICMP's BA Songwriting Programme Leader, said: "This is an inspiring example of the kind of magic that can happen when our industry leading guests get to work with our fabulous students."
"My thanks to Femi for being so open and generous with his infectious passion for music, and my congratulations to Hazel for creating such a great song, and for having the courage to share it!"
Listen to Hazel's track 'Genesis' below:
Take the first steps in your music career with ICMP
We've been developing and delivering contemporary music education for over 30 years – longer than any other music school in the UK. With a proven track-record, countless music industry connections and unrivalled access to facilities, it's easy to see why hundreds of students choose ICMP each year.
To completely immerse yourself in your music career, chat with our friendly Admissions Team via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.
Find your course
We've been developing and delivering contemporary music education for over 30 years – longer than any other music school in the UK. With a proven track-record, countless music industry connections and unrivalled access to facilities, it's easy to see why hundreds of students choose ICMP each year.
To completely immerse yourself in your music career, chat with our friendly Admissions Team via email enquiries@icmp.ac.uk or give them a call on 020 7328 0222.