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Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor

Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor is a multi-award-winning performer, composer, writer, and scholar, whose illustrious career has spanned decades and genres. His journey in the music industry began at a remarkably young age, starting as a session player for EMI at just 16, where he added intricate string parts to various productions. His early experiences laid the foundation for his diverse and expansive musical career.

As his career progressed, Mwalim honed his skills further by undertaking session work at the renowned Jazzy J Studios in New York City, showcasing his versatility as both a keyboard player and percussionist. His contributions to numerous projects and collaborations with industry stalwarts solidified his reputation as a talented and sought-after musician.

In addition to his accomplishments as a session player and studio musician, Mwalim's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Poly-Groove Records. Under his guidance, the record label has released acclaimed albums by The ZYG 808, WAMPTRONICA, The GroovaLottos, and Louis "Chops" Turner, further establishing Mwalim's influence and impact on the contemporary music scene.

Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor's latest album, THUNDERCHILD, marks a significant milestone in his career, being his 7th studio album and the first featuring his work as a guitarist. Drawing inspiration from the sacred clown traditions of indigenous people, Mwalim, a Mashpee Wampanoag elder, is a student and keeper of the AHANAEENUN, or Sacred Clown, tradition of the Wampanoag people. His dedication to preserving and sharing his cultural heritage through music has earned him widespread recognition and respect in both indigenous and mainstream music communities.

As a founding member of The GroovaLottos, Mwalim serves as the band's music director, keyboardist, and a resident songwriter. He penned all the songs on the band's debut, multi-Grammy-nominated album, "Ask Yo' Mama," further solidifying his role as a creative force within the group and the broader music industry.

With a career marked by creativity, dedication, and passion, Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of music. His innovative approach to music-making, characterized by a unique blend of storytelling and musical expression, has garnered him three New England Urban Music Awards for Best Male Jazz Artist, multiple nominations in the Native American Music Awards, and the honor of being a founding member and resident songwriter of the multi-Grammy-nominated GroovaLottos. His debut in the underground dance music scene with his self-released effort, "Her Groove," in 1990, further solidified his place as a pioneering artist, setting the stage for his continued contributions to the musical landscape.

Awards

2009 New England Foundation for the Arts- Native Arts Grant 2010 New England Urban Music Awards 'Best Male Jazz Artist' 2012 New England Urban Music Awards 'Best Male Jazz Artist' 2012 New England Foundation for the Arts- Native Arts Grant 2012 Healy Foundation Grant 2014 Osborne Fellowship 2014 New England Urban Music Awards 'Best Male Jazz Artist' 2014 Silver Arrow Award - Outstanding Native Jazz Composer 2016 Yen Fellowship

Gear

Contact for list.

Take Five With Mwalim *7)

by AAJ Staff
August 17, 2009

Meet Mwalim *7): Mwalim is the type of soul artist who embodies the time-honored tradition of the multifaceted singer, songwriter and producer. Emerging from the east coast small club circuit, followed by several years lending his talents to other artists projects and a writer, musician, and producer.Instrument(s):Piano, voice, African percussion, viola.Teachers and/or influences?Allan Nurse, Barry Harris, Thelonious Monk, Dennis Slaughter, Bernie Worrell.I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

Education

Mwalim Daphunkee Professor: A Legacy Of Black Arts, Innovation, And Community-building

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
October 24, 2024

The Rebirth of Oversoul Theatre Collective and New Opportunities on Cape Cod and New Bedford Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor (born, Morgan James Peters), a multi-talented musician, playwright, educator, and cultural advocate, has dedicated his career to elevating the arts within historically underrepresented communities. As a founding member and Artistic Director of the Oversoul Theatre Collective, Inc. (OTC), Mwalim’s work over the last 30 years has been pivotal in creating spaces for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists to thrive, ...
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Award / Grant

Mwalim Daphunkee Professor Wins "Best Male Jazz" In The 2014 New England Urban Music Awards

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
April 28, 2014

Third win in even year cycle for 'NDN Jazz' artist. Competition particularly stiff this year. BOSTON, MA - The Hibernian Hall auditorium erupted with applause as Mwalim *7) - DaPhunkee Professor (Morgan James Peters) took to the stage to accept his “Best Male Jazz" award at the 9th Annual Urban Music Awards, followed by a performance of his international hit song, “Just Is.." for an enthusiastic audience of over 200 people. A previous winner, in 2010 and 2012 in the ...
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Event

Jazz Nominee, Mwalim To Perform At 2014 New England Urban Music Awards

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
April 24, 2014

ROXBURY - Things are revving up for the 2014 New England Urban Music Awards, complete with a kick-off mixer that was held on April 21 at Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen in Boston. This year, the award ceremony will feature a performance by Mwalim *7) -DaPhunkee Professor, a winner of the 'Best Male Jazz' category in 2010 and 2012, and his latest album “Awakened By A Noon Day Sun" has him as a nominee for the 2014 award as well. ...
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Award / Grant

Mwalim “Best Male Jazz” Nominee In The New England Urban Music Awards! Cast Your Vote!

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
April 4, 2014

The 8th Annual New England Urban Music Awards (NEUMA) are upon us, releasing this past Tuesday the list of official nominees. Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor is a nominee for the “Best Male Jazz Artist” category, for his latest album “Awakened By A Noon Day Sun” (LMMGM/ Spirit Wind Records). Cast your vote for Mwalim and other nominees by visiting www.mwalim.com and clicking the link “Vote for Mwalim in the 2014 NEUMA” The New England Urban Music Awards was created in 2006 ...
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Recording

Mwalim Daphunkee Professor Signs With Spirit Wind Records. Set To Release NDN Jazz Album In New Year

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
December 26, 2013

From the 2013 Native American Music Awards, Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor, a soul- funk- jazz musical artist and member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe took home two Top Nominee medals and an offer from Donald Blackfox to join the Spirit Wind Records family of traditional and contemporary Native American recording artists. Mwalim, a veteran songwriter, producer, session and touring musician has been recording and releasing albums on his own LMMGM label since 1990, interrupted by a stint at a major label ...
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Interview

Dr Cal's Hour of Insight Featuring Mwalim - Monday 2/28 - 4PM

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
February 27, 2011

NEW YORK—On this Monday at 4PM (EST) Dr. Cal's Hour of Insight, the interviews continue with the music of Mwalim (Wal-leem), playwright and Associated Professor of English & African American Studies at UMass Dartmouth. He has won many Awards. Call in at 4PM (EST) and speak with Mwalim (Wal-leem) on (760) 542-3931. Dr Cal, musician, producer and radio personality has been hosting his show since November 2010. Dr Cal's Hour of Insight offers interviews with established and up and coming ...
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Interview

The Sandra Wilson Show has Mwalim on 2/23 @ 8PM

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
February 22, 2011

SOUTH CAROLINA—Popular talk-show host, Sandra Wilson will be interviewing Liberation Music—MGM recording artist Mwalim on the Sandra Wilson Show, Wednesday, 2/23 @ 8PM (EST) on blogtalkradio.com. Ms Wilson and Mwalim will be discussing Mwalim's impressive career as a playwright and underground soul-funk-jazz artist and his emergence as a mainstream soul and jazz artist, with the hit song and video DEM BIG GIRLS as well as the growing buzz from his latest club jam “The Abyss." They will also discuss being ...
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Special Offers

Calling All DJs & Record Pools: Join Liberation Music - MGM's Preferred DJ List!

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
January 17, 2011

CLUB, RADIO, MOBILE DEEJAYS & Record Pools Liberation Music—MGM is looking to make you part of our Taste-makers crew. Get pre-released, exclusive, and limited edition digital copies of our releases by joining our Preferred DJ List! Simply send an e-mail to: Info[at]LiberationMusic-MGM[dot]com with the following information: SUBJECT: “Make Me A Preferred DJ" BODY & Attachments:

Your NameCity & StatePreferred E-mail ContactVenue/ Station/ Record PoolStyle(s) of Music PlayedRecent Play-list If Applicable/ AvailableIf Record Pool, Number of SubscribersOnce We have This Info, ...
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Recording

SNEAK PREVIEW: "The Abyss - Radio Edit" New Single by Mwalim

Source: Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
January 13, 2011

BOSTON—Billed as a “Sneaky Leaky Preview" by Daphunkeeprofessor himself, a radio edit teaser of “The Abyss" from Mwalim's forthcoming CD of the same title, a Deep Soulful House project interlaced with Mwalim's signature jazzy-funk (or funky-jazz) piano and vocal interplays. “The Abyss" on Soundcloud.com Mwalim's love of classic house music of the Paradise Garage and Shelter hey-days in New York City is eminently clear in this new project. To Get Your Copy of the sneak preview single, just click HERE ...
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"He grew up immersed in a blend of his Bajan (Barbados) and Wampanoag cultural heritages, both of which highly value voice for song and spoken-word communications." - PAMELA MAREAN, New Bedford Standard Times "The highlight of the night for me was a soulful, four-piece jam session featuring Mwalim *7)" - Jason Perry, Southcoast 247