Their name derives from James Mtume's surname, which means "musician" in Swahili.
The band had success in the 80s with a series of hits, including "Juicy Fruit", "So You Wanna Be A Star" and "You, Me and He".
Their distinctive sound combined elements of jazz and funk with catchy melodies and romantic lyrics. Mtume's music has had a lasting impact on the R&B and hip hop scenes, with many artists sampling their tracks over the years.
After the band disbanded in 1986, James Mtume continued his musical career as a solo artist and producer.