Anthony (Tony) Colvin-Baraka developed an early fascination with music, entertainment and publishing, vigilantly fine-tuning them all into what would become separate, yet equally successful careers.
It all began back in Michigan where Baraka attended Eastern Michigan University, majoring in African American Studies. He then worked his way up to Production Specialist for WGPR in Detroit before moving to Tuskegee to join WBIL Radio. There he brought fresh ideas and an eclectic aptitude to his various roles as a sales manager, account executive, and on-air personality.
Inspired by a deep-seated passion for the written word, Tony partnered with his then-wife, Rhonda Baraka (now a successful screenwriter and director) in publishing TAFRIJA Magazine, one of the first Black-owned and operated entertainment magazines. It was distributed in record stores and at 50 HBCUs. The Barakas moved their operations to Atlanta where he founded Baraka Branding Group and served as president. He also worked as a national sales and marketing consultant for The Source Magazine, Urban Plush Lifestyle Brand, Vose Magazine, Grip Magazine, Dapper Magazine, Uptown Magazine, and Jezebel Magazine.
Tony was also the founder and CEO of the Southeast Urban Music Conference (SUMC) as well as the College Urban Music Fest. These vehicles offered singers, songwriters, artists, producers, managers, DJs, and independent labels an opportunity to interact with and perform in front of influential major label A&R reps and music industry executives.
Anthony “Tony” Colvin-Baraka, born on May 5, 1957, in Saginaw, MI, died at the age of 63. Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember Tony Baraka so others don’t forget.
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