The following was a statement issued by the family of James Mtume, who died on January 9, 2022,

The statement published by the Source read;

“James Mtume, the biological son of jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath, was raised by wonderful parents James and Bertha Forman.

“While attending Pasadena City College, he pursued swimming training and was recruited for the 1968 Olympics, but instead chose to join the Cultural Nationalist Organization US. During this period, he was given the moniker Mtume (Swahili for “messenger”).”

Mtume began his musical career as a strong percussionist in the early 1970s, touring and recording with Miles Davis. Mtume would later record with his own band, the Mtume Umoja Ensemble, as well as on sessions with other artists.

Mtume went on to record with his own group, the Mtume Umoja Ensemble, as well as sessions with Duke Ellington, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Rollins, and a slew of other jazz greats.

Mtume developed a route blending soul, jazz, and funk (he termed it “Sophistifunk”) with longstanding musical collaborator Reggie Lucas by the mid-late 1970s.

As a result, a flurry of successful productions including Roberta Flack/Donny Hathaway (“The Closer I Get to You,” “Back Together Again”), Phyllis Hyman (“You Know How to Love Me”), and Stephanie Mills (“Whatcha Gonna Do With My Lovin’,” “Never Knew Love Like This Before”) were released.

Mtume started the group that bears his name in the early 1980s and produced five best-selling albums as well as eleven R&B successes, including the #1 multiplatinum smash “Juicy Fruit” (1982) and the Top 3 single “You, Me, and He” (1983). (1984).

During this period, Mtume merged his “Sophistifunk” style with the burgeoning technology of drum machines and synthesizers.

Mtume entered the field of soundtracks in the 1990s, composing films such as “Native Son” and serving as music supervisor for the television series “New York Undercover” (providing music for sequences at the fictitious nightclub Natalie’s). Simultaneously, Mtume’s advocacy continued through his co-hosting responsibilities on NYC’s WBLS-community FM’s chat series Open Line, a job he held for eighteen years.

Mtume used the millenium imparting his understanding of the music business at venues such as the Red Bull Academy in Tokyo and TED Talks.

James Mtume is survived by his wife Kamili Mtume, brother Jeffrey Forman, sons Faulu Mtume and Richard Johnson, daughters Benin Mtume, Eshe King, Ife Mtume, and Sanda Lee, and grandkids Sukari Mtume, Yamani Mtume, Craig McCargo, Mazi Mtume, Aya Mtume, and Jhasi Mtume.”.

James Mtume funeral: Date, time, venue, burial service, obituary poster

The family of the legend promises to release funeral plans for his celebratory memorial when the right time is due. Ghanafuo.com got you covered.

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