Mtume Music Announces Plans to Venerate the Legacy of the Esteemed Artist and Activist
Planned music, film and live-event projects highlight the slate of tribute ventures
SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Mtume Music [pronounced em-too-may], the newly-formed, full-service music company and the Estate of artist James Mtume plan to comprehensively honor the life and legacy of their beloved James, who transitioned in 2022. The recent establishment of the Mtume Foundation and the celebration of the “James Mtume Way” street-renaming ceremony in Mtume’s hometown of Philadelphia, PA, marked the start of a series of events crafted to acknowledge the trailblazing accomplishments of the multi-genre musician and political activist.
Next up, will be Mtume Music’s 2023 and 2024 reissues of Mtume’s seminal ‘70s, Afro-reverent, free jazz albums Alkebu-lan: Land of the Blacks and Rebirth Cycle. Originally released in 1972 and 1977 respectively, Alkebu-lan and Rebirth Cycle will, officially, be made digitally available for the first time later this year and in 2024. These two full-lengths feature performances from master musicians Gary Bartz, Ndugu, Andy Bey, Stanley Cowell, Jean Carn, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Reggie Lucas, Jimmy Heath and others. The Guardian noted that the two albums “were never reissued legally and are unavailable on streaming services”. That soon will change and jazz aficionados can look forward to enhanced re-releases of these two foundational recordings.
Also, in its initial planning stages is a longform, filmed documentary project that will catalog Mtume’s idiosyncratic life path from teenaged, Philly champion swimmer/athlete, to ‘60s and ’70s Black Liberation freedom fighter and activist, to GRAMMY® - winning, multi-platinum-selling musician, songwriter, producer and major label recording artist. Additionally, lookout for a star-studded, live music, tribute event to celebrate the man and musician who influenced and impacted so many others.
With tens of millions of YouTube views and hundreds of thousands of weekly Spotify and Apple Music streams, Mtume’s music demonstrates continued and expanding interest and engagement with lovers of all genres of music. Mtume Music is the brand that supporters will engage with via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter) and TikTok. All are encouraged to follow, subscribe to, and participate in these vibrant online communities. Fa Mtume, son of James and CEO of Mtume Music says, “My family and I are awed by the lasting impact of my father’s legacy. And Mtume Music and the Estate feel lovingly obligated and honored to nurture and grow that legacy. We’re forever grateful to all who have embraced his music and his being.”
Stay informed of all developments at mtumemusic.com and bio.to/mtume.
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About Mtume Music
Mtume Music is a comprehensive music services company founded in 2023 to facilitate the innovative, artistic and commercial objectives of music makers. Offering recorded music, music publishing and ancillary services, the company aims to be a leader in the “AlternaSoul” digital music space.
Press Contact
Angelo Ellerbee
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