Various Artists / Music Aid for Ukraine
20th May 2022
CD & Digital Formats / UBU0117
Ubuntu Music has created an initiative to help provide assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
In partnership with Jazzwise Magazine and its 25th Anniversary, the April issue featured some of Ubuntu’s prominent artists in a 15-track compilation CD. The tracks on this CD will be made available digitally for streaming and downloading throughout the world, with all proceeds to be donated to the Ukrainian refugees.
Martin Hummel, founder and director of Ubuntu Music, explains: “Immediately prior to the launch of the Jazzwise April edition, I was watching the horrific news unfold in Ukraine with my wife, who asked if there was anything the label could possibly do in any way to help alleviate this catastrophic situation. This gave birth to Music Aid for Ukraine.
“I shared the thought with my friends at Jazzwise, who were fully supportive. The core idea is to make the tracks from the CD catalogue compilation—plus five previously unreleased tracks—available in digital format and release these across all major streaming and download platforms throughout the world. The proceeds will be donated to Ukrainian refugees through the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal (DEC).”
The full digital album will be released on 20th May, with five previously unreleased singles dropping from 22nd April.
Darius Brubeck (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)
Ubuntu artist Darius Brubeck, who has been active with several notable worthwhile causes, offered his thoughts to Hummel: “I think it's important to show the jazz village can step up. The effort shouldn't be seen as using this mechanism to raise a ridiculously small amount of money in relation to the relief effort but as starting an income stream that can grow beyond our in-group and last for a while, especially if people are motivated to help it go viral. Buy (and play) tracks and help Ukrainian refugees. It might even inspire other jazz labels or organizations to copy Ubuntu or work with you if you have established the right channels to get the money where it should go.”
The Ubuntu roster of participating artists/tracks include Alina Bzhezhinska (Poland/Ukraine), Andrew McCormack (UK), Chet Baker (USA), Darius Brubeck (USA), Dave & Judith O’Higgins (UK), Leo Richardson (UK), Noemi Nuti (Italy/UK/USA), Omar + QCBA (UK), Paul Booth (UK), Roy Mor (Israel) and Yoko Miwa (Japan/USA).
Hummel continues: “This project had immediate and universal support from all parties. The artists were 100% behind donating their music to this cause. All Ubuntu partners associated with this project--including TechnologyWorks mastering studio, Emma Perry Publicity and Rumney Design--have agreed to donate their services to make this happen."
Most recently, five additional Ubuntu artists have donated unreleased tracks to the initiative. These will provide greater opportunities to promote the project and therefore stimulate incremental donations which will be directed to this cause.
Sara Dowling (Photographer: Justin J Docherty)
An exceedingly emotive and graphic video was created to draw attention to the fundraising project. The video features the short film that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky shared with the United States Congress in his landmark address. The music, 'Fields of Athenry', is a traditional Irish folk ballad written by Pete St. John, which is performed by vocalist Sara Dowling, whose parents are Irish and Palestinian.
Hummel concludes: “I’m under no illusion in thinking that our single initiative will change the world. However, ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.’ Hopefully, others in the music business may find this to be a good way to make a small difference. Together, however, perhaps we can make a real difference.”
For further information, please contact:
Emma Perry (UK Publicity): emmasarahperry@gmail.com
Martin Hummel/Ubuntu Music (Worldwide): martin@ubuntumanagementgroup.com
Martin Hummel and Omar Lyefook (Photographer: Monika S Jakubowska)