(August 14, 2014) We are sad to report the death of legendary music man, Tunde Ra Aleem. A pioneering keyboardist and vocalist, he and his twin brother, Taharqa, worked with artists ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Rick James to Kashif, often under the title the GhettoFighters. In addition to their work as musicians, the brothers formed the record label Nia Records. Most fans may know them for their vocal group Aleem, where the brothers teamed with Leroy Burgess (of Black Ivory) in the mid-80s and landed the hits “Love Shock” and “Love’s on Fire.”
Tunde Ra Aleem’s death was reported by Burgess, who wrote: I get a call on my cell 30 minutes ago from a number I don’t recognize. I pick up. It’s Ron Green (Captain Rock). He’s crying… hard to make out. Before I can ask him what’s wrong, he tells me. Tunde Ra has been called back home by the FATHER. My voice… my breath.. is snatched away. I hear Ron calling my name from what seems like a million miles away and realize I still have the phone to my ear. I manage to croak out “I’ll call you back, Ron.” and disconnect. I try hjs twin, Taharqa. Voice mail. Then, I call his older brother, Tajaddin, who picks up. “Leroy? You heard?” And know it’s true. Completely and utterly shocked and stunned, I sit motionless, listening but not really hearing. I go to Facebook and start writing… really just to be doing something, anything. More later. I need to put some cold water on my face. Devastated.
