Over the last decade Mark Kavuma has established a reputation as an influential figure on the London Jazz landscape. As leader, he has released six albums, ‘Kavuma’ (2018), voted among the best albums of the year by Downbeat magazine and The Banger Factory (2019), both released with UK record label Ubuntu Music. Arashi No Ato (2021) Back to Back (2022, debut piano album), The Banger Factory - Warriors (2022) And his most recently: Erskine and Kavuma - Ultrasound (2023). All released on his emergent label Banger Factory records.
Discover Kavuma’s music and enter a world where vibes, blues and rhythm collide with gospel, soul, spirituals and jazz. He has a unique and distinctive trumpet sound. His lyricism, soulful tone and grace of technique spread infectious joy and mutual excitement among audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Mark’s main outfit, The Banger Factory, is a collective that is contingent upon bringing the people a good time. From a weekly residency in Brixton’s POW, over 8 years, the band developed and nourished a truly unmistakable ‘sound’ . Attracting and featuring some of the most gifted and engaging musicians on the scene. “What is more, the band brings together and unifies the local London jazz scene. Spreading love and good vibes.”
A gifted educator and inspirational creative enabler, Mark is an associate music leader for the Tomorrow’s Warriors programme and is also involved in their professional performance ensembles including the acclaimed Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Jazz Jamaica Small band, and Jazz Jamaica All Stars. He is also a brass tutor and leader at London based carnival band Kinetika Bloco, having also released their debut album ‘Legacy’ (2022) on his label.
Banger Factory Records was founded by Mark in 2021 as a natural evolution from The Banger Factory. With the inception of the label, he has established a direct link to the legendary musicians that pioneered the sound, the look, the language, and the swagger of the whole culture. His vision is to pass it on to the generations to come and while he is at it unashamedly showcase the London jazz community and its herds of exceptionally dexterous, accomplished, brilliant players and singers.
His aspiration for the label is that it will inspire and empower those within the community and provide a platform for uncovering new artists and up-and-coming musicians, enabling them to not only hone and finesse their craft but to innovate, flourish and realise their full artistic potential, ultimately shaping the future of music beyond genres, genders, and borders.
Photographer: Ben Amure
Musician: Mark Samuel Kavuma