Mark Kavuma & The Banger Factory

Named Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year at the Jazz FM Awards 2025, trumpeter, composer and bandleader Mark Kavuma has established himself as one of the leading voices in British jazz. Renowned for his distinctive trumpet sound—combining lyricism, warmth and soulful expression—Kavuma has built a reputation for creating music that is both deeply rooted in the jazz tradition and alive with the energy of London's contemporary scene.

As founder of The Banger Factory, winner of Ensemble of the Year at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, Kavuma has brought together a collective of exceptional musicians united by a shared commitment to creativity, community and musical excellence. Known for their infectious live performances, the band blends jazz, soul, gospel, blues and African diasporic influences into a powerful and uplifting sound that has become a hallmark of the UK jazz landscape.

Celebrated as both a performer and composer, Kavuma's music is rich in colour, texture and melody, balancing sophisticated writing with deep grooves, joyful improvisation and a strong sense of collective spirit. Through a growing catalogue of critically acclaimed recordings—including Kavuma (2018) , named one of DownBeat Magazine's Albums of the Year, The Banger Factory (2019) Arashi No Ato (2021) , Warriors (2023) , Ultrasound (2024), The Dandy (2024) Magnum Opus (2024) and Back To The Beginning (2025)—he has continued to develop a distinctive artistic voice that resonates with audiences across generations.

Beyond the bandstand, Kavuma is a passionate educator, mentor and cultural leader. Through The Banger Factory collective and Banger Factory Records, he has created a platform dedicated to nurturing emerging artists and championing new voices. His work with organisations including Tomorrow's Warriors, Kinetika Bloco, Jazz Jamaica and the Nu Civilisation Orchestra reflects a wider commitment to ensuring that the next generation of musicians can flourish creatively and professionally.

Whether leading The Banger Factory on stage, composing new works, producing records or mentoring young artists, Mark Kavuma's work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of music to connect, inspire and bring people together..

 Photographer: Ben Amure

Musician: Mark Samuel Kavuma