Tomi Jenkins is more than just a voice in one of the most iconic funk bands of all time—he is a musical architect whose tenor vocals, visionary songwriting, and electrifying stage presence helped shape the very sound of modern funk. As a founding member of Cameo, Jenkins played a central role in transforming the band from a large, experimental ensemble into a tight-knit, chart-topping powerhouse whose influence still resonates today.
Raised in Rahway, New Jersey, Jenkins’s passion for music developed early, and by the mid-1970s, he was part of a bold musical experiment that would become Cameo. Alongside co-founders Larry Blackmon and Gregory Johnson, Jenkins helped form what was initially known as the New York City Players. After a name change to avoid legal conflict with the Ohio Players, Cameo was born—and funk would never be the same.
Jenkins’s voice quickly became one of the group’s defining features. His smooth, expressive tenor added depth and dimension to Cameo’s evolving sound. During the late 1970s and well into the ’80s, Jenkins was integral in writing and performing many of the band’s biggest hits. Songs like “Candy,” “Word Up,” “Single Life,” “Back and Forth,” and “She’s Strange” didn’t just climb the charts—they became cultural landmarks. With tight grooves, catchy hooks, and an innovative mix of R&B, funk, and synth-driven dance music, Cameo carved out a unique space in the musical landscape.
Part of what made Jenkins so essential to Cameo’s success was his ability to evolve. As musical tastes changed, so did the band. Transitioning from a large funk ensemble to a lean, modern trio, Cameo embraced the emerging sound of the 1980s without losing the energy and originality that made them legends. Jenkins remained at the heart of that transformation—crafting melodies, refining the group’s direction, and delivering unforgettable vocal performances.
In 1989, Jenkins stepped out on his own with a solo debut album, produced by Larry Blackmon. While the release didn’t receive widespread commercial attention, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Jenkins continued creating music independently, building a solo catalog that reflected his evolving sound and personal artistry. His 2017 EP A Life to Remember showed a matured Jenkins—still funky, but more introspective. In 2020, he released “Whatever It Takes,” a soulful and politically charged track inspired by the social unrest following the murder of George Floyd, proving that his music could still move both the body and the conscience.
Jenkins’s more recent work, including the 2023 single “Like We Used To,” demonstrates his unwavering ability to craft irresistible grooves while staying relevant in a new era of R&B and funk. His music, both past and present, is a bridge between generations—a reminder of the power of rhythm, voice, and message.
Today, Jenkins continues to perform, produce, and inspire. Whether he’s revisiting Cameo classics on stage or dropping fresh tracks that speak to current times, his commitment to the craft is undeniable. He’s not just a contributor to the funk movement—he’s a cornerstone of it.
In a music industry that constantly shifts, Tomi Jenkins has remained rooted in authenticity, growth, and groove. His journey is not just one of hits and high notes, but of resilience, reinvention, and the soul-deep connection between artist and audience. And as long as there are people dancing to the beat of “Word Up” or vibing to his new tracks, Jenkins’s legacy will keep on playing.