Soul Shooter: Diane Martel

You may not know the face, but you definitely know the art of Diane Martel. Music video direction was predominantly a boy’s club when Martel broke onto the scene. Entrée as a choreographer and documentarian (short film, House of Tres, 1990), she directed her first short form music video in 1992 for “Throw Ya Gunz” by rap group, Onyx. In the first quarter of the 90’s, Diane created visuals for some of Hip Hop’s greatest anthems including Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Brooklyn Zoo”, Gang Starr’s “Mass Appeal, Keith Murray’s “The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World”, and “How High” by Method Man and Redman, before delving into the art of rhythm & blues.

From Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” to Method Man & Mary J. Blige’s “You’re All I Need To Get By”, each short form music video contains nostalgic elements that connect with the facets of human emotion. Martel carried her signature connection into the new millennium with iconic music videos for Alicia Keys (“If I Ain’t Got You”), Mario (“Just A Friend 2002”), Omarion (“Touch”), and Ciara (“Promise”).

As Zumble continues to celebrate Women’s History Month and the masters behind the lens, we spotlight Diana Martel, a true Soul Shooter, for her most soulful video direction of the 90’s.