Ezra Collective win the Mercury Prize 2023 with Where I'm Meant To Be

Ezra Collective have been awarded the Mercury Prize at tonight's award show – for their acclaimed second album Where I'm Meant To Be.

Described as a "thumping celebration of life" and "an affirming elevation" in the London group's sound, the album was released in November 2022 - and features guest appearances from Sampa The Great, Kojey Radical, Emile Sandé, Steve McQueen, and Nao.

The awards show, which took place at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, was hosted by Lauren Laverne, and featured live performances from Lankum, Loyle Carner, Ezra Collective, Jessie Ware, Jockstrap, Olivia Dean, RAYE, Shygirl and Young Fathers.

Mercury Prize – which has been described as "the music equivalent to the Booker Prize for literature – celebrates the best albums released by UK or Irish artists every year.

The winner receives a cash prize of £25,000. The prize also increases the profile of the winning and shortlisted acts – and often comes with a notable boost in record sales.

The decision may come as a disappointment for many Irish fans, who hoped that Lankum – who were nominated for False Lankum – would come home with the prestigious prize, as the first ever Irish act to do so. Earlier today, Paddy Power had Lankum's odds to win listed at 5/1.

See the full shortlist for the Mercury Prize 2023 below:

• Arctic Monkeys, The Car
• Ezra Collective, Where I'm Meant to Be
• Fred again.., Actual Life 3 (January 1 - September 9 2022)
• J Hus, Beautiful And Brutal Yard
• Jessie Ware, That! Feels Good!
• Jockstrap, I Love You Jennifer B
• Lankum, False Lankum
• Loyle Carner, hugo
• Olivia Dean, Messy
• RAYE, My 21st Century Blues
• Shygirl, Nymph
• Young Fathers, Heavy Heavy