Joy is a consistent source of strength and positivity, distinct from temporary feelings of happiness or sadness.
Music has the power to bridge differences, create shared experiences, and foster unity among people.
Deep dives
The Power of Joy: Finding Consistent Joy in Life
In this podcast episode, Femi Colleoso, the band leader and drummer of Ezra Collective, discusses the concept of joy and its significance. He believes that joy is tied to the soul and is a consistent source of strength and positivity. Femi emphasizes the distinction between joy and temporary feelings of happiness or sadness. He encourages people to find joy in simple things, like waking up each day. Femi also shares his belief that everyone has the capacity for joy, although some may need to dig deeper to access it. He highlights the importance of sharing joy with others and the transformative power of music in bringing people together and creating a joyful atmosphere. Femi believes that joy brings hope and that being joyful doesn't mean ignoring the challenges of the world, but rather finding strength and inspiration to make a positive impact. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, discipline, and giving back as practices that can cultivate and sustain joy in one's life. Femi concludes by highlighting the connection between joy, music, and unity, and the potential of joy to drive positive change in the world.
The Impact of Comparison and the Value of Individual Joy
Femi Colleoso discusses the detrimental impact of comparison culture and the importance of individual joy. He emphasizes that comparison steals joy and robs people of gratitude. Femi encourages people to focus on their own journey and be grateful for what they have achieved. He believes that self-discipline and gratitude are key to finding freedom and maintaining joy. Femi also touches on the toxic effects of social media and the need to set healthy boundaries to protect one's joy. He encourages individuals to focus on what they can control and effect change in their immediate environments, rather than being overwhelmed by global issues. Femi believes that joy and hope are intertwined, with joy bringing a sense of hopefulness for the future. He concludes by highlighting the importance of embracing similarities and finding unity through music, as it has the power to transcend differences and connect people on a profound level.
Bringing Joy to Others
Femi Colleoso shares his passion for bringing joy to others through his music and community work. He describes his upbringing in an open and welcoming household, where many people felt at home. Femi credits his parents for instilling a love for people and generosity in him and his brother. He believes that giving back and inspiring others on a personal level is where real change happens. Femi emphasizes the importance of interacting with young people and their infectious spark for life, which re-energizes him. He believes that being around children reminds individuals of their most authentic and joyful selves. Femi also highlights the significance of wonder and ignorance in children's lives and notes that adults often lose these qualities. He encourages adults to tap into their inner child and embrace wonder in order to access joy. Femi concludes by expressing his desire to leave a legacy of inspiring joy in others on a personal level.
The Connection Between Music, Joy, and Unity
In this podcast episode, Femi Colleoso explores the profound connection between music, joy, and unity. He believes that music has a unique ability to bridge differences and bring people together. Femi discusses how diverse music genres and cultural influences can be synthesized to create something new and beautiful. He mentions the power of music festivals, clubbing, and live performances in creating shared experiences and fostering a sense of togetherness. Femi emphasizes the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and finding joy in the commonalities we all have. He believes that when people are on the same page, they can achieve positive change. Femi concludes by highlighting the transformative potential of music in creating a more peaceful, joyful, and united world.
Welcome to JOY January - a mini series! The aim is for you to finish these episodes with more joy to start your 2024. Who better to lead us than the most joy filled musician around - the incredibly talented bandleader and drummer of the award-winning jazz group Ezra Collective, Femi Koleoso. When Femi hits the drums, the world listens. He is on a mission to bring joy to all through music. His career has seen him play all across the world including with Gorillaz and Jorja Smith, and last year Ezra Collective became the first ever jazz act to win the prestigious Mercury Prize. Femi’s heartfelt acceptance speech highlighting the importance of London’s youth clubs went viral.
This episode is the perfect antidote to that post Christmas slump. Annie and Femi discuss the difference between happiness and joy, the importance of music, how his upbringing in a Nigerian Christian household shaped his mindset, faith and joy, the importance of gratitude and most importantly, how you can bring more joy to your own lives through small changes. Here’s to a joyous 2024!
