Editors’ Note: Black history is American history. Reel 360 News’ Reel Black List is a commitment to recognizing the impact of Black voices across film, television, music, media, and culture every single day of the year. In a moment when DEI initiatives have been challenged and hard-won progress feels increasingly fragile, it’s more important than ever to amplify the voices of Black artists, leaders, and innovators who have shaped the industry and continue to move it forward. Today, we are so incredibly honored to spotlight and chop it up with one of the co-founders of the funk, R&B group The Word Up Story (formerly of Cameo) – the legendary, talented, singer, songwriter, and author, Tomi Jenkins.
The Word Up Story is a powerhouse Funk and R&B band carrying the torch of one of the most influential groups in music history. Co-founded by Tomi Jenkins, vocalist, songwriter, and one of the architects behind the unmistakable Cameo sound, the group is comprised of former members and key contributors who helped define an era. Together, they deliver a dynamic live experience that celebrates the unforgettable hits, energy, and style that shaped a generation.
Now stepping into the spotlight with their own artistic vision, The Word Up Story honors the legacy while pushing the groove forward. With timeless classics like Word Up, Candy, She’s Strange, and Back and Forth, they bring the funk to life on stage, blending tight grooves, soulful vocals, and electrifying showmanship that transports audiences back to the golden era of funk while keeping the spirit fresh for today’s fans.
Under the creative leadership of Jenkins, Nathan Leftenant, Arnett Leftenant, and Gregory Johnson, they’ve crafted a narrative that honors their roots while forging a new path, one built on authenticity, passion, and the power of music to move the soul.
Let’s meet Tomi!
What’s the version of your origin story you don’t put on LinkedIn?
I was in my early teens and worked at an A&P supermarket in my hometown of Rahway, New Jersey. One of my jobs, in addition to stocking shelves and pricing items, was to collect carts scattered around the store at the end of the day. One day, there was a cart on the corner of the street I lived on, about 2 miles from the store. I realized the manager was playing me, so I quit right then and walked up the street to my house.
Which dream did you outgrow? Which one won’t go away?
I don’t believe one can outgrow’ dreams, specifically. Maybe they dissipate when time doesn’t play ball. One that won’t go away? I’d like to see one of my books turned into a movie. That would be cool.
Was your career a choice, an accident, or a survival instinct?
Most definitely a choice. It BECAME a survival instinct, haha. I think it turned out all right, though.
Who were your mentors?
Ok, this is interesting. My father and mother, first of all. Dad was a respected cop in a racist police department, and Mom was a secretary for the Dean of Rutgers Law School, and was also involved with the NAACP. My father’s brother was a professor of African-American studies in New York, and I loved going to his home on Long Island because he had a treasure trove of books on black history. It was my introduction to the biographies, autobiographies, and works of Malcom X, Sammy Davis Jr., and James Baldwin, among others. My family was my introduction to all phases of my black self-awareness.
My musical mentors? Marvin, Stevie, Sarah, Frank, The Temps, Four Tops, Delphonics, Nancy Wilson, Nat King Cole, Earth, Wind and Fire, The Beatles, Stones. Authors Walter Mosley and Don Winslow. How much time ya got?
What’s a risk you took that looked insane to everyone else but felt necessary to you?
Making the decision at 18 years-old to travel up and down the East Coast and to the Midwest with a bunch of other insane cats in cars and a red panel van, sleeping on amps and speakers to play at dive bars and clubs for a hundred bucks a weekend.
Tell us a story that’s 100% true and still sounds like bullshit?
So, Cameo is on its first tour, P-Funk’s Mothership Connection with the spaceship and all that. Cameo opened. It was absolutely magical, bizarre, totally out of control, in a good way. Sometimes. Well, one night I decided to catch the show from the audience after our set. While P-Funk’s on stage, you know they jammed on one song for twenty minutes, a girl came on stage, turned her back to the audience, lifted her dress, put a joint between her butt cheeks, and smoked. Remember, this was the late ‘70’s, so…crazy AF.
What lie do you tell yourself to keep going?
That I’m the handsomest, most talented, healthiest, and most interesting man in the world.
You wake up in a film universe? What is it? Who do you play?
Marvel Cinematic, of course. Daredevil, or Black Panther. Too obvious?
What’s something people assume about you that’s completely wrong?
That I’m the international man of mystery? That I’m broke? I wouldn’t know. Nobody’s ever come up to me and said, “Hey, I could’ve sworn you did…” or “Man, I thought you were…” Unless it was about a song or something.
What are you chasing next: clarity, chaos, peace, or power?
First, you’re in the chaos, then you have the peace, clarity comes next, then you have the power. Tomi Montana. To me, there is no ‘or’, just the order in which I travel. If one is blessed to live a long life, all four are necessary.
What does success look like when nobody’s watching?
Writing and finishing a song, even if it’s never recorded. Writing and finishing a book, even if it’s never published. Laughing on the phone with my 97-year-old mother. Sitting on the couch watching TV with the one I love, just being. Oh, and checking that bank statement every so often.
What does 2026 look like for you?
So far, it’s looking pretty damn good. It’s too easy to get caught up in the bullshit bombarding us every freaking day. I have big plans for this year, and I’m isolating my spirit from it all. I survived prostate cancer last year. Staying healthy is the goal. Personally, and financially. Accept the things I can’t change. “F” the rest.
Take a look below at Tomi, Nathan, Arnett, and Gregory in concert.
For more Reel Black List honorees, click here.
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