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Photographer-DJ Mpozi Tolbert is recalled 2 years after death
Posted: Jul 02, 2008 in Things to do, Music
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Mpozi Mshale Tolbert will be remembered this weekend as a free spirit who enriched local circles of musicians and visual artists.
A native of Philadelphia, Tolbert joined the staff of The Indianapolis Star as a photographer in 1998. He moonlighted as a reggae DJ at various nightclubs.
"He integrated himself immediately into the local scene with artists, with other photographers, with DJs, with B-Boys, with Rastas, with punkers, with homeless, with everybody," says Ron "DJ Indiana Jones" Miner.
Tolbert died July 3, 2006. His death at age 34 was blamed on a heart ailment known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia.
A tribute show billed as a celebration concert is scheduled July 4 at Radio Radio, around the corner from Deano's Vino Restaurant and Wine Bar, where Tolbert joined concert organizer Mike "Dicky Fox" Graves for DJ sets on Thursday nights.
"If you were his friend, it was a wonderful thing," Graves says. "I respect anybody he was friends with."
Graves also is one of the designers of a Tolbert tribute mural scheduled to be painted at noon July 5 in Broad Ripple.
Featuring a depiction of Tolbert spinning records while adorned with angel's wings, the mural will be installed on the north wall of Spin, 6308 Guilford Ave.
Spin -- formerly the Patio -- is across the street from the Casbah, where Miner and Charles "DJ Danger" Byfield worked with Tolbert during their Sunday reggae shows.
"Anytime I would pull out a dancehall record, Mpozi could pull out the original," Miner says. "I might think I have the original from the 1980s. He'd say, 'Nah, 1967.' As a sound system, we were darn near untouchable when we had Mpozi at the ready."
The mural will feature the skylines of Indianapolis and Philadelphia, where Tolbert shot many images of the Roots before the hip-hop group attained fame.
Money raised at this weekend's events will be donated to a memorial fund established at Philadelphia's International House.
"This guy was bigger than life, and he's still ingrained on our souls," Miner says.
Mpozi Tolbert Celebration Concert
Featuring: Indiana Reggae Band, Twilight Sentinels, DJ Indiana Jones, Skittles.
When: 10 p.m. July 4.
Where: Radio Radio, 1119 E. Prospect St.
Admission: $7.
Info: (317) 251-6957 or www.futureshock.net
I met him once when I was the subject of a story for the Star that required my photo to be taken. He came to my house, and I answered the knock on the door and there's this huge dude standing there with all of this camera equipment hanging from his body. He had big, long dreads, and I remember thinking all if I ever made a fan film featuring the Predator, I'd have to call him. He was a large man, that's for sure.
Anyway, he was at our house for about 30 minutes or so and was super nice-really friendly, cordial and respectful. It broke my heart when I heard he'd passed away.
Yes, Mpozi was taken from us too soon, he touched many people in his short time here with us. I am so happy that Mike, Ron, and Skittles are giving him a much deserved tribute and memorial. I can't wait to see the mural in Broad Ripple. Gone but never forgotten.
I just want to say thank you to all of you for remembering my BROTHER. The family thanks you very much. Hit me up at bluphi11@earthlink.net if you want contact info for the family. THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT
When I first met Mpozi, as many of his friends have already expressed, I was immediately touched by the generosity of his soul and character. Mpozi gave without effort, he cared about people, and always found a way to express this energy through his art and through friendships. It is true. Mpozi affected anyone who got to know him in a deep and unique way. Thank you for keeping his legacy alive. - Lily
Read about Philly's tribute to Mpozi here.