Blog entry – see all posts
This morning was a truly inspiring way to start the week! We were honoured to be invited to a very special assembly at St Matthew’s CE Primary School in Ponders End, where staff and students welcomed back one of their former pupils—Brit Award winner Femi Koleoso, drummer of the acclaimed jazz collective Ezra Collective.
From the moment we stepped through the doors, the warmth of the school was undeniable. We were treated to a lovely tour and quickly saw what makes St Matthew’s such a special place—lively classrooms, smiling students, and an incredibly nurturing and passionate team of teachers and staff. The energy was infectious.
To make the day even more special, Femi’s mum came along too, beaming with pride and bringing with her a selection of primary school photos of Femi and his brother, which added such a touching and nostalgic moment to the morning. It was clear how much this school meant to their family.
Femi, who attended St Matthew’s as a child before moving on to Enfield Grammar School, was absolutely brilliant with the children. He answered question after question—from “What were the school meals like when you were here?” to “Who was your favourite teacher?” with humour, honesty and heart. His kindness and values really shone through as he shared his journey in the arts, and it was clear just how much his visit meant to the school community.
Moments like this are so important. When past pupils like Femi return to their roots, they show our young people what’s possible. They see someone who once walked their corridors, sat in their classrooms, and is now achieving incredible things on a global stage. It’s not just inspiring—it’s vital. These real-life examples help our young people to dream big, aim high, and believe in themselves.
For those who may not know, Ezra Collective is a Mercury Prize-winning band that’s brought a fresh, exciting energy to UK jazz. With a powerful blend of Afrobeat, hip hop, and soul influences, they’ve helped bring jazz to a new generation—and they’ve done it all with a message of unity, expression, and the importance of community.
As a group, they’ve also used their platform to speak up about the vital role of youth clubs and community spaces—many of which have sadly disappeared. The number of local authority-run youth centres in England has fallen from 917 in 2012 to just 427 in 2023. These are spaces where young people find support, confidence, creativity—and where talents like Femi’s are often nurtured.
Femi, thank you for being such a phenomenal role model for our young people. Your story is proof of the power of passion, persistence and community. We’re proud to have you as part of Enfield’s story, and even prouder to share your journey with our Love Your Doorstep family.
