Musical brothers whose talent took them to Glastonbury donated some of their fee to help the next generation of young musicians at their old school.
Former Enfield Grammar School students Femi and TJ Koleoso lit up the West Holts Stage on Saturday (June 24) as part of the Mobo Award-winning Ezra Collective.
Headteacher Chris Lamb said the brothers donated a percentage of their festival appearance fee to the school that helped get them to the fields of Worthy Farm.
He said: "I'm really blown away by this incredible generosity. Please share my gratitude with the band members and assure them we've already invested heavily in the music department this year as I know how important the arts are in schools and society.
"Their kindness and generosity will help us help others and that's what our role is as a school."
The donation is just the latest act of generosity from the brothers, who won the school’s battle of the bands competition for three years running as well as mentoring younger musicians.
Music teacher Malcolm Escott said: “I taught Femi and TJ music theory and composition and mentored them in what was then called 'Baby Band' from year 7 until they left.
“Both boys were extremely dedicated and ambitious, and their musical ability was clear to see. I once told them that if they won the school's annual Battle of the Bands competition I would buy the band a KFC - they went on to win three years in a row!
“On our music tours they would take on a big brother approach and help nurture and encourage the younger boys who may not have been away from home before.
“After college, Femi came back to teach drums for a short period and was a great inspiration to the other students; his talent is still a benchmark for the boys today.
“They were both an absolute pleasure to teach and I am extremely proud of both their achievements and the school's role in helping them get there.”
Femi and TJ's talents extended beyond the music rooms and the stage to the sports field.
Graeme Kendrick, now the school’s director of sport, said: “Femi and TJ both represented the school in sport throughout their time at school, mainly in rugby, with both playing all the way through their time at school including the 1st XV. They also did athletics, with Femi running sprints and TJ doing some throwing events.
“Both really nice boys who would go out of their way to help the school.”
As well as drummer and bandleader Femi and bassist TJ, Ezra Collective features keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, trumpeter Ife Ogunjobi, and tenor saxophonist James Mollison.
Their sound mixes elements of afrobeat, calypso, reggae, hip-hop, soul and jazz.
They have released eight singles, two EPs and two albums, as well as collaborations with Jorja Smith, Loyle Carner, Nubya Garcia and Moses Boyd, winning best jazz act at the 2022 Mobo awards.
The band even gave the school a shout out during their Glastonbury performance, adding: “It’s important - give young people an instrument and give them a chance.”
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