Read Ezra Collective's inspiring Mercury Prize acceptance speech in full

Ezra Collective are the first jazz act ever to receive the award, in its three decade long history. They were shortlisted alongside artists such as RAYE, Jockstrap, Shygirl, Young Fathers, Arctic Monkeys, and Olivia Dean.

They collected the winner’s trophy and cheque for £25,000, gave a heart-felt speech, and then performed a song from the winning album, Where I'm Meant To Be.

"First of all, let me thank god because, if a jazz band winning the Mercury Prize doesn't make you believe in God, I don't know what will," Femi Koleoso began with a laugh, in their acceptance speech. "Secondly, there's five of us represented right now, but Ezra Collective represents an entire family," he continued as he thanked their manager, live team, and parents.

"Most importantly, really, Ezra Collective represents something really special because we met in a youth club. This moment that we’re celebrating right here is testimony to good, special people putting time and effort into [helping] young people to play music," he continued. "Right now, this is not just a result for Ezra Collective – this is not just a result for UK jazz – but this is a special moment for every single organisation across the country ploughing their efforts and time into young people playing music," he continued as he highlighted grassroots collectives in London such as Tomorrow’s Warriors and Kinetika Bloco.

"Let me tell you something really serious – we've got something special in the UK. We've got something special by way of young musicians, so let's continue to support that."