Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
The Silver Fox Blues Griot
Soul & Blues Storyteller | Vocalist | Multi-Instrumentalist | Songwriter
With a rich, warm voice that moves effortlessly from velvety tones to powerful blues shouts, Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor —a Silver Fox Blues Griot— transforms every performance into a journey through soul, blues, and jazz. His music weaves storytelling and groove into a sound that is timeless yet fresh, inviting audiences into moments of connection and reflection.
His sound draws natural comparisons to legends like Bill Withers, Gil Scott-Heron, and Donny Hathaway, blending smooth, emotive vocals with thoughtful lyrics and lush musical backdrops. Whether performing solo, as a duo, or with a trio, Mwalim delivers sets that feel intimate yet expansive—rooted in tradition, yet fresh and compelling.
His critically acclaimed album THUNDERCHILD showcases his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with sophisticated musicianship, establishing him as a commanding presence in contemporary blues and adult alternative music. Whether on stage solo, in intimate duos, or with a full band, Mwalim’s performances deliver both raw emotional power and artistic finesse.
A founder of the multi-Grammy-nominated band The GroovaLottos, and a seasoned session musician with over 500 recording credits, Mwalim is also a proud artist on his own Poly-Groove Records label, through which he releases his solo and collaborative projects.
Mwalim has graced stages ranging from street corners and coffeehouses to theaters, arenas, and major festivals. Beyond music, he is a dedicated educator and storyteller, enriching audiences and students alike with his diverse talents.
For venues and presenters seeking a uniquely soulful voice with deep roots and fresh creativity, Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor offers an unforgettable live experience.
Nine Things to Know About
Mwalim DaPhunkee Professor
A Lifetime of Music: Mwalim has been immersed in music since age 10, beginning with the viola. He is formally trained in both classical and jazz traditions and carries the legacy of being a fourth-generation musician on his mother’s side.
Early Classical Roots: His first instrument, the viola, took him all the way to Carnegie Hall before he turned 14. Simultaneously, he began studying piano and composition with his grandfather, the renowned jazz arranger and bandleader Allan Nurse, who worked with Southern and Decca Records.
Educational Excellence: Mwalim attended New York City’s prestigious Music & Art High School (LaGuardia) and later earned a BA in Music and MS in Film from Boston University, followed by an MFA in Writing from Goddard College.
Early Studio Work: At 16, Mwalim began his professional career as a session musician, recording viola and violin for EMI Records projects. By 17, he was adding keyboards to recordings at Jazzy Jay’s studio. Over the years, he has contributed to over 300 released and unreleased sessions along the East Coast.
Independent Artist Pioneer: In 1990, Mwalim released his debut solo project, Her Groove, on his own label, Midnight Groove Recordings, after turning down offers from independent labels due to unfavorable contract terms. His 2000 album Thief in the Night and the Jazzy-Soul Club Grooves EP paved the way for a major label deal—one he ultimately left behind to maintain creative and financial independence.
Founding The GroovaLottos: In 2009, Mwalim co-founded the soul-funk band The GroovaLottos alongside Motown veteran James Wolf and touring drummer Eddie Ray Johnson. He wrote all the songs on their acclaimed 2017 debut album, Ask Yo’ Mama, which garnered six Grammy nominations and received widespread airplay across North America.
Polyphonic Studios: In 2020, Mwalim launched Polyphonic Studios, a recording and content creation hub. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the studio became the creative heart of the emerging Southcoast Thump & Soul sound.
Accomplished Writer: Beyond music, Mwalim is an accomplished writer with over 25 produced plays and performance pieces, a short-story collection, a novel, and numerous published poems, essays, and short stories.
Dedicated Educator: Mwalim is a tenured professor at UMass Dartmouth, teaching English, Communications, and Black Studies. He has over 35 years of experience teaching performing arts and creative writing, shaping the next generation of artists and thinkers.
POLY-GROOVE RECORDS (PGR) is a label formed in 2023 by as an outlet for the in-house productions of Polyphonic Studios; focusing on creating ‘The Sound of a Good Time!’ as created by the various bands and performers of the Southern New England Region. [LEARN MORE]