Philly, A Tribute To Mpozi Tolbert
Posted by gingerlynn on Jul 03, 2008
Philly, join us Tuesday, July 8th for A Tribute To Mpozi Tolbert at Silk City. Mpozi passed away two years ago to the day and is still sorely missed. His beautiful photographs, many of which document the early years of The Roots history, will continue to live on. This tribute event will feature an all-star Philly lineup including Sadiki, Dozia, King Britt, Chuck Treece, Cosmo Baker, ?uestlove, Schoolly D, Jafar Barron, Brendan Bring'em, and more.
Silk City - 435 Spring Garden St. - Philadelphia, PA
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The Vegas WORD: ...
I was kicking back in our dark room when Mpozi gave me that call hey man I need to get my driver license. I was like "Bro, we live in Philly we have septa limo's and Quaker City." He new I was one of the few cats in town that actually had a real license, even though I haven't used it since I moved from Delaware 3 years prior. So I met him at 30th street and took this long azz hike to like Bejesusville so he could take his driving test. It was the fastest driving test I ever seen. I didn't even get out of the car, I don't think we even left the parking lot.
Man I miss my adventures with Mpozi, between him and my wife Emily-Kate they have inspired me in so many ways behind that camera. Damn I miss my Dude...
Man I miss my adventures with Mpozi, between him and my wife Emily-Kate they have inspired me in so many ways behind that camera. Damn I miss my Dude...
1
July 31, 2008 - 12:25:51 AM
Devalina: ...
I began seeing Mpozi around a lot in Philly in the late-90's, early 2000's when I was a photojournalism student at Temple. I seriously have never met a more kind, laid-back and giving mentor. Not only was Mpozi passionate about his work and getting "the shot", he was a rare gem who knew when to lift his head from the viewfinder and take in the "whole" -- by that I mean he didn't remove himself from his subjects, he was brave to live life and get to know people he met along the way. I would see Mpozi at many of the same public events and he was always ready to give tips when he saw a rookie with a camera around their neck. Although I did not know him well like his colleagues, friends and family, I must say that Mpozi was one of those spirits you only had to meet once or twice. And he would have an impact on you for the rest of your life. One memory I have is during the Republican National Convention in Philly we were shooting a huge protest and I was walking around with my camera in its case, with the lens cap on. When I would see something I would want to shoot, I would take out my camera and unscrew the lens cap to shoot it. Mpozi saw me from afar amidst a crowd of people and even though we only met a few times before, he felt comfortable enough to yell at me, "What are you doing?!" And he took my camera out of its case, unscrewed the lens cap and threw the lens cap to the ground. I never felt like a mentor cared so much before. Then he told me how life's realest moments don't last long, any slice of time where people are "posing" for a shot aren't worth shooting, and a good photographer has to always be ready. Then he went off into the crowd and continued shooting. It is rare in the cutthroat field of journalism to meet someone who is willing to help their colleagues and proteges and not expect a thing back. Mpozi was someone who didn't see other photojournalists as competition, but rather saw an instant community. Let his spirit live on!
2
July 09, 2008 - 01:36:15 AM
beenie: ...
thanks for the info, thisisdantana. i really like mpozi's version of the song.
4
July 07, 2008 - 10:46:30 AM
DJ Indiana Jones: ...
We did an Indianapolis Tribute this past weekend in indy, go to indy.com to see some video of it or holler at me for pics. His mural looks great and I will be in Philly on Tuesday for the event there as well. R.I.P. Mpozi
6
July 06, 2008 - 03:54:36 PM
thisisdantana: ...
Hi beenie: that is actually mpozi's own dubbed out version of 'your house' by steel pulse. thanks for asking. mpozi was a dj and a producer as well.
9
July 05, 2008 - 11:39:22 AM
beenie: ...
amazing photos, thanks for the reminder dantana! as to the music in the background, which version of 'your house' by steel pulse is this?
10
July 04, 2008 - 02:51:26 PM
thisisdantana: ...
two years ago. PLEASE, if you haven't, check out the slideshow
http://www.okayplayer.com/mpozi/slide.html
http://www.okayplayer.com/mpozi/slide.html
11
July 04, 2008 - 01:31:11 AM
jendj: ...
i wrote about the controversy surrounding his death two years ago.
wish id known him. seems like a wonderful spirit.
wish id known him. seems like a wonderful spirit.
12
July 03, 2008 - 03:28:32 PM
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