James Mtume, born James Forman on January 3, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a multifaceted American musician, composer, producer, and activist. He was the biological son of jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath but was raised by his mother, Bertha Forman, and his stepfather, James "Hen Gates" Forman, a pianist with Charlie Parker's band. Growing up in a jazz-infused household, Mtume was exposed to numerous music legends and influential figures, including witnessing Malcolm X speak live.

Despite his musical upbringing, Mtume initially pursued athletics, becoming the first black Middle Atlantic AAU champion in the backstroke. He attended Pasadena City College on a swimming scholarship, where he was trained for the 1968 Olympics. The 1960s Black Power movement on the West Coast significantly influenced his socio-political awareness, leading him to join the nationalist organization Us, founded by Maulana Karenga. This period marked his transformation, including adopting the name "Mtume," Swahili for "messenger," and developing his skills as a percussionist.

Mtume's musical career took off when he moved to New York City, where he played with jazz greats like McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, and notably, Miles Davis, with whom he toured internationally from 1971 to 1975. His work with Davis reinforced his belief in balancing artistic success with socio-political ideals. Mtume's contributions spanned over 80 albums, collaborating with artists such as Duke Ellington, Sonny Rollins, and Dizzy Gillespie.

In the 1980s, Mtume transitioned to blending jazz with digital technology, creating a signature sound that fused jazz, funk, and R&B. His R&B group, Mtume, achieved fame with hits like "Juicy Fruit," famously sampled by The Notorious B.I.G., and "You, Me, and He." Alongside Reggie Lucas, he won a Grammy for Stephanie Mills' hit "Never Knew Love Like This Before."

Beyond music, Mtume was a prominent political commentator, hosting the #1 black talk radio show in New York, "Open Line." He remained active in socio-political advocacy throughout his life. James Mtume passed away on January 9, 2022, in South Orange, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy that bridged music and activism.