We are deeply saddened to begin this year with some unfortunate news from the jazz world. Martin Hummel, the esteemed director of the multi-faceted Ubuntu Management Group, passed away on 10th January at the age of 69, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in the United States in 1955, Martin’s professional journey began in the advertising industry with a prodigious talent for managing some of the world’s most iconic brands. Beyond his many corporate achievements, however, music was the steady heartbeat of his life. From his early days as a musician and concert promoter - he once organised a show featuring a young Elton John - to his time in professional radio, Martin’s connection to music was deeply personal. His notable 17-year tenure overseeing Pepsi-Cola’s international communications allowed him to collaborate with legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tina Turner, Beyoncé and the Spice Girls, amongst others.
With a distinguished career to his name, the seasoned jazz enthusiast and marathon runner was well-equipped to launch Ubuntu Music in 2015 as a branch of his growing Ubuntu Management Group. With its Zulu-derived name meaning “I am because we are”, the boutique labelquickly became dedicated to bringing skilled musicians to broader audiences, all the while incubating the longevity of artists on the road to recognition. In this vein, Ubuntu’s oeuvre has come to be regarded as a solid beacon for creativity and the transformative power of music, with its founder’s unwavering support for young performers earning him deep respect and admiration across the community. Each new signing brought the chance to witness Martin’s infectious pride in his latest musical discovery, and I always looked forward to receiving press releases that bore his unmistakable, informed seal of approval.
Martin's dedication to uncovering the next great talent in jazz continually revitalised and motivated the industry from within. At the same time, he remained a loyal advocate for seasoned performers further along in their careers - evident in last year’s release of saxophonist Tim Garland’s Moment of Departure, a testament to his commitment to creative endurance. As the director of Ubuntu Music, Martin curated a diverse roster of dynamic artists with remarkable insight, with each release from the label further solidifying its glowing reputation for high quality and unique professionalism.
Recent tributes have begun pouring in, with many expressing their sorrow and highlighting Martin's lasting contributions. Jazzwise magazine noted his immense impact at home and abroad, while DJ Michael Vitti remarked that the UK jazz scene is a poorer place without him, with harpist Alina Bzhezhinska also sharing her shock and sadness at his passing.
Here’s hoping that, despite his sudden departure, Martin Hummel was able to recognise the profound influence his work now leaves behind - a legacy so significant, he must’ve glimpsed it at least once or twice during his remarkable life.
Here are some of our highlights from the Ubuntu Music catalogue:
Last year, as the virtuoso saxophonist sought to revive his Lighthouse Trio after two decades, there was no better place to turn than the welcoming embrace of the Ubuntu family. This expansive project is a stellar example of the label’s wide-ranging stylistic output. Featuring trumpeter Yazz Ahmed as well as violinist Thomas Gould, it’s an emotional voyage that concludes in a dazzling orchestral suite.
Available format: 2 CDs
Ubuntu Music has built a firm reputation as a platform for launching artists through their debut recordings, and this wonderful release from the North Yorkshire-based bassist continues that tradition of meaningful introductions. Williamson's compositional voice shines as he skillfully navigates diverse textures and arrangements, all brought to life under the expert watch of its producer, the British pianist and composer Nikki Iles.
Available formats: CD, Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 24 bit)
Now a mainstay on the UK scene thanks to her beguiling prowess across the realms of spiritual jazz, the Ukrainian-born harpist released her debut back in 2018. With an enlightening setlist that pays homage to the great Alice Coltrane, this album gave Bzhezhinska her big break, thanks in no small part to Martin Hummel’s guiding hand.
Available format: Download & Streaming (up to 44.1 kHz, 16 bit)
