Late Late Show Upstairs with Tomorrow’s Warriors: Zeñel
Lineup
About the Event
Led by trumpeter and producer Laurence Wilkins, ZEÑEL bring jazz improvisation into the sounds of UK club culture. Drawing on grime, UK Garage, jungle and UK drill, the group combine live musicianship with electronic production, creating a set that moves between programmed sounds and spontaneous improvisation.
With Zoe Pascal on drums and Jay Verma and Alex Wilson on keys, ZEÑEL have developed a distinctive sound across tracks including ‘VOCOPHORIA’ and ‘SPYRO SKANK’. Their music draws on the rhythms, production techniques and energy of the UK underground, while leaving plenty of space for live interaction and improvisation.
If you know UK jazz, you’ll know Tomorrow’s Warriors. For over 30 years, the talent development charity has supported thousands of young musicians, nurturing the careers of artists now tearing up the international jazz scene, including Mercury Prize winners and BRIT Awards Best Group of 2025 Ezra Collective, Moses Boyd, Nubya Garcia, Shabaka Hutchings, ESKA, Jason Yarde, Denys Baptiste, Robert Mitchell, Soweto Kinch, Shirley Tetteh, Byron Wallen, and many more.
Part of the next generation helping to define the future sound of contemporary London jazz, Allexa has been making waves both as a solo artist and with Colectiva. Her debut EP No Language introduced an exciting new chapter, showcasing her fresh perspective, technical prowess, and vision as a bandleader and composer.
This is the chance to catch the next generation of UK jazz stars before they make it big.
“If you like big beats and squelching basslines and also enjoy inventive jazz, [Zeñel] is for you.”
— All About Jazz
“With an irrepressible drummer, trumpet, keyboards and a hard-working laptop, Zeñel is a band to watch out for, with a sound both precise and exuberant.”
— UK Jazz News
“Zeñel are a one-of-a-kind ensemble.”
— Jazzwise