Staff Blog
Mpozi Mshale Tolbert
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| Goodbye, big man. Tolbert in City Paper's Earshot circa 1997. |
| Photo: Dominic Episcopo |
Our sister — Queen Bee Stef Renee — just sent me this. That my friend — City Paper's friend — Mpozi Tolbert died. My hand is shaking. He was not only a longtime photographer at this paper. He was a fucking beacon, a face that, no matter how sad, snarky, angry, high or messy I was, changed my innervision immediately. He was concerned — deeply — about any, every and all. I missed him when I found he had moved out of town. I miss him now. But I won�t forget how he made this city, or me, feel about politics — big or personal.
We'd just heard from 'Pozi last week in a letter to the editor he sent thanking us for his shout out in our Paper Trail column for 1991, when his work debuted:
Thanks for the shout out… City Paper was my 'voice' when I was younger through the Streetshots photo column, and other assignments — not bad for a kid in his late teens (I shot my first cover story while still in high school), and early 20s. Whenever I talk to students now, I tell them to find the local weekly and get on them — nobody knows how much you get paid — they just know they saw your work and byline! I try to keep track of the paper out here, but I always get all nostalgic on one hand, and wonder who half the people you guys are talkin' about are on the other (which for me — is weird!)… Nice to see the city doing so well btw. Lovin' Mike Regan's work as well — and missing my Tastykake's and soft pretzels (especially fresh ones at 10th and Washington at 4 a.m.).
Thanks again for the mention
—Mpozi Mshale Tolbert
Update:
TheIndyChannel.com reports that the cause of death is still unknown. An autopsy is planned, as is a funeral in Philadelphia, which we'll keep you posted on. WTHR has a link to some of Mpozi's work, which, unfortunately, is broken at the moment.
I’m pretty much completely stunned by this. There’s no way that this is fair; not just to Mpozi and the people he touched, but to the people whose lives he’d not yet touched. He was a mountain of a man; imposing and kind. And a.d.’s right: there’s no way this guy entered your life, tangentially or otherwise, without changing you in some way. I can’t tell you how happy I was to receive his letter last week, and how completely speechless I was when I received a.d.’s e-mail about Mpozi this morning. Mpozi was the definition of righteous. That he’s gone is just a huge loss.
Very sad news.
[...] Word came yesterday that photographer and Philly native Mpozi Mshale Tolbert had passed away on Monday. Tolbert had collapsed at his desk at the Indianapolis Star, and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Those that knew him — especially in his days in the early/mid ’90s as City Paper’s in-house photographer — will remember Mpozi as an especially awesome and bright guy, open and hilarious, in a time when cool was erroneously measured in disaffection. But Mpozi was a timeless classic, as they say, and his work was always spot-on. He will be missed, and Philebrity sends our fondest wishes to Mpozi’s friends and family at this difficult time. Mpozi Tolbert: One of the good ones. NPPA: Mpozi Mshale Tolbert Obit The Clog: Farewell Friend ———- [...]
I’m so sad about this! Such a great photgrapher and photojournalist. I remember hanging out with Mpozi years ago at parties and shows. One of the funniest things I heard him say was not to be intimidated by some punks because, “They don’t even have any wrinkles in their Docs yet.”
yeah it seems that the city was a smaller place only 10 years ago . . . it’s a bigger circle now
Mp the photog was one of the faces and voices to count on seeing and exchanging greetings with
speed on
[...] Still stupefied from yesterday’s news that my friend — our friend — Mpozi Mshale Tolbert had died suddenly, I found a few things out from our spiritual sister, Stef Renee. [...]
I worked with ‘Poz’ when he was still in high school, in ‘89-90. He had more courage and energy than anyone I’ve ever worked with. I remember the days when I’d go out with him to cover anti-abortion movement like it was yesterday. His spirit was enormous, and it will live on. How sad I am, but also grateful for having known him.
Regrets, regrets, regrets. In life, Mpozi Tolbert had none. That doesn’t stop me from having many regarding his passing. We met in the 80s through the music scene that revolved around McRad and Timi & The Dub Warriors (with Chuck Treece being the common link). Mpozi must have been no more than 14. And TALENTED already. We ran into each other at CP during my stay (89-92). He blessed us all with his presence.
I just learned of Mpozi’s passing. It is a real tragedy. I had met Mpozi years ago here in Philly (back in the ol e Tribe days) and I had the pleasure of becoming his friend (and even hanging his photography in a few coffeehouse). I was always blown away by what that kid was capable of. There are thousnads of stories about his (utterly) cool manner. I remember seeing him the day after all his equipment was stolen by a ‘friends’ freind. He just laughed about it. He always said he wanted to be a ‘war-zone’ photographer, and (if nobody knew) he did it. Mpozi was (and will remain) a genuine spirit who drew out the best in people (under all circumstances) while it is a deep loss, what he gave in his soul and his art is tangible, and can be seen in every photo the man took.
*just HOW a 6′5” dude could be so unobtrusive is beyond me!
He lived a life fulfilled, and will be remembered with love.
While I am sure he’s in a better place now,
the world itself is made less bright by his passing.
God, how sad. Mpozi was one of the indisputably good guys. Spirit, talent, charisma - all evident from when he was a very young man, all irreplaceable.
I am so saddened by this news. I knew Mpozi as a young teenager..I hated being photographed but allowed him to because I trusted him completely. I just got back in touch with him a few weeks ago and was thrilled to reconnect. I will always remember him as a smiling loving artist and friend. Peace brother…
Its been some time since I’ve lived in Philly, but news like this always makes me so homesick. I’ll remember always how it felt to be greeted by that smile and to hugged hello by Mpozi. I am so saddened by this news and find it amazing that after so much time that one person could inspire such a sense of loss, but I suppose that when the person is Mpozi the world itself is grieving.
I have been friends with Mpozi for over 20 years. We shared a darkroom in my basement in West Philly and pulled many all nighters developing our photos. He had an amazing spirit, was always wise beyond his years and his legend will live on through his amazing body of work. I know he’s smiling at us somewhere probably listening to fishbone!
Emily-Kate
Mpozi — 10 years later, I still have two of your black & white photographs on my dining room wall – one of the Roots performing at the Trocadero, and another of some kid in Chicago innocently flashing a gang sign. The world was your canvas and you managed to capture both its brilliance and its shame. We were both anti-establishment, but I’d settled into a job with the Daily News and then the Cleveland Plain Dealer. But back then you swore you’d never work in the mainstream (financial demands changes things). The last time I saw you was the weekend of the National Association of Black Journalists convention in Philadelphia, and you won an award. I wondered what you’d say, as you accepted this kudo from the establishment. You did your gentle walk up to the podium, leaned toward the microphone and just said “Free Mumia.” In the darkened theatre, I just busted out laughing. Only Mpozi. Oh, how I loved you. Rest in peace my beloved dreadhead.
I’m still in shock. If there was anyone full of life, it was Mpozi. A warm, wonderful man with a heart as big as his talent. And oh that smile. I remember he was our CP photographer at like 18 or something. He was a ridiculous talent at such an early age. When ever he’d turn in a photo at CP he’d draw these little doodles above his signature — a squirelly caricature of himself with the dreads and the giant wide-eyes. He was always wide-eyed for a story, throwing himself into the mix — an early roots concert, an angry protest at the republican convention, a fashion shoot in Fishtown. Damn it. It’s just wrong that he’s gone. But may he rest in peace. He will be very, very missed.
At least we have some beautiful photographs…
http://www.citypaper.net/articles/071797/article022.shtml
Mpozi and I met on Amtrak the day that I moved to Phildelphia. I remember approaching him and intrducing myself. I was well aware of him before I moved there. It was no irony that he helped me with my bags from the train onto the streets of Philadelphia. It was if he were handing me the torch. You see I am a photographer too. He told me which magazines to hit, which papers to go to, and helped me to become a technically better photographer. We bumped heads a few times, passed off press passes for $5.00 or a lens loan, shared stories, and hustled. He was so proud to see me working for the CITYPAPER when he came back to visit after moving to Indianapolis.
Last week my home was broken into and my cameras were stolen from me. I heard the news about Mpozi this morning on my way to Malibu and after my initial shock and crying, it was almost if I heard him say to me me. Keep shooting! Keep shooting! Don’t stop! You still have one camera…So Mpozi, I am going to use this one camera that I have to keep it moving bro! In your spirit my new photos will be in your name.
God bless your family
I knew this man and all that I can say is that he will be missed. We all loved him because he touched everyone that he met in sucvh a way that can only be described as “profound”. I hope that his spirit finds rest and let him know posthumously that I miss him. I wish I coud just hear him laugh one more time. if you ever heard him laugh or tell a joke you knew this man. He will live forever.
This is so unbelievable, I met Mpozi when I was shooting him for Earshot, the Twistee Treat image. We remained friends after that, he was such a great guy, what a loss.
I met Mpozi in 1997 in Philly and shadowed his work for a brief period of time as an assignment for a photo class at Temple. I got to know him as a photographer and as a friend. He had a really messy apartment (LOL). But he also had passion for photography and for life that was very contagious and sometimes overwhelming. He mentioned that the Tolbert family instilled a strong work ethic in him so much respect to them. Learning that Mpozi had to go at such a young age broke my heart. But it also inspired me to not take life for granted.
Mpozi was a force and this is a loss of the deepest magnitude.
Last time I saw Mpozi he was grooving on the dance floor of that strange quarter called the Bongo room. It’s been many years. I was away. I remember the cover of the Philly Edition of the Painted Pride Quarterly–that million dollar pic of the fire men leaning against a great big mirror window looking up at a high rise burning across from the city hall. There is a crater where that high rise stood. I knew Mpozi in the 90’s all over the city at every key event & reasoning with him on various street corners always for some kind words, passion about art, politics and Philly. Last week, out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw him sitting at La Colombe. I found out this morning from a good friend that he was already gone. Now I am sure that this city I just returned to after six years is a stranger.
In the mid 90’s, Mpozi and I would spin records, while lounging on lazy Sundays. Of course, I’d let him play most of the time, since he was the only cat I knew who played dub, and I had little exposure to the sound. As you can imagine, the sessions were fun, relaxing and euphoric.
Whenever I’d throw an event, I always had him perform first, to create a pleasant mood.
We lost touch as he moved on to Indy, with few phone calls and emails in between. However, the mood, the experience, the creativity, the joy, and the presence of his will be missed. Though we lost touch, he always had a special place in my heart….and always will… Peace, love and blessing, my friend. -RR
Poze and myself were boys for years we started our curly locks together I met him on south street in the late 80s’and he was this big happy guy and I remember trying to give him a hard time and some how he pulled a Mpozi on me. By making me feel like I was talking to myself. I would bust on him about always having a camera, and then we clicked hard. he was crew he liked Hardcore and punk so I always told him to come to club pizzazz I would get him in as a staff comp .He was the largest thing in the Mosh pit! and all the kids loved him as well as bands cause at a young age he was already Mr. camera click with big skills! he once woke me up in the morning at 7am and told me get dressed and come out side. then he drapes an American flag on my dreads took the picture and put iton sale at Robbins and told me that was payback for the camera jokes! I love you man the mold was broken with you.
Out of memory, love and respect… if you knew our brother, friend, lover, son, Mpozi and would like to share how– please send this through out your mailing lists and invite people to share with us. He’s touched sooo many lives, it’s impossible for any one person to know all whom have been blessed.
Memorial Services and Celebration of His Life will be held Sat July 15 at 11am at the International House in Philly. 3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA 215-387-5125 Tel: 215-387-5125 Fax: 215-895-6535
3701 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
Every One Needs to Know How Great A Spirit the world has just lost!!!
PozMatic—you taught me sooooo much… How to see, Shoot, print, listen and really think. There are never too many memories—The FakeHaus, Mecca Star’s Abyssinia on South Street, The Family’s Kwanzaa celebrations, science experiments growing in ur fridge and dark room in ur bathtub me, U & Diki providing sound culture last summer and us dubbin. There’s too much that can be said and not ever enough all at once.
You immortalized everything and everybody. I just can’t believe that youre gone. My personal Tall high Yella Sasquatch… you’ll be sorely missed. Love Always-Rest ur Soul now……….
Ryv
I will always remember the times Mpozi would sit and talk about art, life, music, photography and social justice at Crimson Moon in Philly. I am very thankful for his precious life and spirit. Thank God we will always have his images.
Mpozi is a big spirit. I met him 20 years ago when he greeted me with a “yo baby your but is phat”
When I gave him a dirty look he said “no, no with a p.h.a.t.
not f a t.”
I’ll never forget that moment, how he made me laugh and how fast we became friends. He was a powerhouse of a man, big voice, big body, big hair, big opinions. I wish I could give him a big hug goodbye. peace out old friend.
god bless him and his family. this is not an easy goodbye
Mpozi was my friend….the type of guy who always had a kind word, insightful thought, and expressed genuine concern for anyone who was down. -not to mention, he took kick ass pictures. Although I’ve moved away and we haven’t seen each other in some time, this has brought a deep sadness to my heart. He will be missed and I will think of him always. R.I.P. With love always, The Couch Lady
I first met Mpozi when novelist Alice Walker came to Temple University in 1991(?). With cameras hanging from
him, he hovered around the sides of the stage trying to get shots. (I think he was still in high school!) Turns out we had many mutual friends and started seeing each other at the same clubs, cultural and literary events, on the streets and quickly became friends.
His work had great dimensions and vision, deeply original and of the times; one sensed his love of the art of photography, of hiphop, but also a sense of justice and
social commentary. We featured his work on the cover of the Painted Bride Quarterly.
We used to always greet each other (and depart) with handshakes (dap! gription!) and a hug; I still feel those cameras falling off his arm and hitting me in the ribs. (ha!) He was a really great guy, and he was a reader and loved creativity and creative people! I remember we talked about hip-hop but also black poetry and authors Achebe, Morrison, Ellison, Gil Scott Heron, and black cinema.
Mpozi has remained in my mind and heart over the years.
He was a giant among us and represented so much of what a many of us young Philly musicians, writers, visual artists and activists were about: engaged, full of the spirit, creatively restless, and on the move. He touched me (as he did alot of people) with the sheer generosity of his spirit and humanity, his laughter and his gentleness. In these times, needless to say, one hopes more Mpozi’s are on their way to show us how to be decent and humane.
–Major J.
I first met Mpozi when novelist Alice Walker came to Temple University in 1991(?). With cameras hanging from
him, he hovered around the sides of the stage trying to get shots. (I think he was still in high school!) Turns out we had many mutual friends and started seeing each other at the same clubs, cultural and literary events, on the streets and quickly became friends.
His work had great dimensions and vision, deeply original and of the times; one sensed his love of the art of photography, of hiphop, but also a sense of justice and
social commentary. We featured his work on the cover of the Painted Bride Quarterly. Everyone knew he was destined. The Source ran photo-coverage of an old school hiphop concert at Troc of which I wrote the text. Mpozi’s pictures honors those early pioneers (seriously, please get a copy of it, if you don’t own it.) so beautifully and with equal amounts of gusto.
We used to always greet each other (and depart) with handshakes (dap! gription!) and a hug; I still feel those cameras falling off his arm and hitting me in the ribs. (ha!) He was a really great guy, and he was a reader and loved creativity and creative people! I remember we talked about hip-hop but also black poetry and authors Achebe, Morrison, Ellison, Gil Scott Heron, and black cinema!
Mpozi has remained in my mind and heart over the years.
He was a giant among us and represented so much of what a many of us young Philly musicians, writers, visual artists and activists were about: engaged, full of the spirit, creatively restless, and on the move. He touched me (as he did alot of people) with the sheer generosity of his spirit and humanity, his laughter and his gentleness. In these times, needless to say, one hopes more Mpozi’s are on their way to show us how to be decent and humane and giving in our art.
–Major J.
Mpozi was my fellow nerdy, freshman at C.A.P.A. homeroom buddy. I was so happy to see him over the years grow into such a strong man and artist as well as insightful and truly hilarious. I am deeply saddend to learn of his passing. Farewell friend. Heaven has a new man about town.
Here’s a blog that is not on your list…
http://www.southphillyhouse.com
http://www.myspace.com/southphillyhouse
MPOZI TOLBERT ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL
An Evening of Photography and Music
We invite the Philadelphia community to come together on this special evening.
In honor of Mpozi Tolbert, a well known and talented photographer and a wonderful friend to so many different people, we will be holding a reunion and Tolbert photography exhibit at the Raven Lounge 1718 Sansom St. 19103 on Sunday, July 15, 2007 starting at 6pm. Djing will be friends DJ Lynnea and Dubsmith as well as special guest DJ’s. Suggested donation is Five Dollars.
His death has become a catalyst for many in the Philly ‘Punk Rock’ scene to reunite in his honor, to celebrate growing up together in this city, and to pay respects to someone who personified grace, art, dignity, and peace (with a lot of laughter in between). We invite you to be a part of this special evening.
I knew Mpozi back in the eighties, while he worked at Robins Books in Philly. He was a great kid, and already a skilful Photographer. And bright, in every sense of the word. I’m very sorry to hear of his pasing.
Mpozi’s brillance continues. I just learned about his passing moments ago…I knew him as a teenager when he was just starting his photography. He was so passionate and skilled. When most of us were skirting ago trying to figure out what to do with ourselves, Mpozi was breaking, no integrating, barriers with his photography. He was such a profound influence through his life, and even with this passing, I am motivated to go further and share his story and do more and work harder…his light is shining on me still. I am utterly saddened. I pray his spirit is rightfully with the Most High.
hey big bro i know ur out there somewhere. its almost three years im still strugglin wit you bein gone. you know you were my favorite brother haha…. i love you . hey all this is Ayanna pozis little sis….. its March 08 now.. and he still is as Catpower would say “the greatest” he will always be missed….biggest heart in the world.. no doubt. love sent out to all who he touched
Two years out and i’m just learning of his passing…we both went our separate ways from Philly but kept it in our hearts, and whenever I think if him he is part and parcel of that city I love.
I hope his memory is honored with justice, and that the true cause of his death is brought to light.
He was a ray, a mountain in motion, his laugh could shake you and his eye caught what nobody else could quite see. So sorry to hear he’s left us.
I just now learned that Mpozi is gone. I am stunned, speechless and heart broken. We met when we were still in High school. He photographed me for fun one day and I still remember walking around the city with him. He was so tall (I am only 5′4″ so he seemed like a giant towering over me). He left such an impression on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. I still have a self portrait he gave me back in 89 or 90 and from it I created one of my best pieces of art which I stupidly gave to someone a long time ago and regretted it ever since. Good thing I have the slide so I can recreate it even BIGGER this time as a tribute to Mpozi. I am honestly numb right now, and so very very sad.