Musa Zalika Beyom, the dynamic force behind Memra Media Group, has carved out a unique space in both the business and artistic realms. Born and raised in Brooklyn, his journey is deeply influenced by his father, a touring musician with The Drifters, whose studio sessions ignited Musa’s passion for music. Today, Musa’s ventures encompass an indie label, a charitable trust, and a media group. His story is one of resilience, cultural reclamation, a steadfast commitment to community empowerment and the delivery of valuable resources.
The Source: Where are you from, and what inspired you to become an entrepreneur and artist?
Musa Zalika Beyom: I’m from Brooklyn, and I caught the music bug from my dad taking me to the studio when I was a kid. He used to be part of different bands, playing jazz and funk. To this day, he is a touring musician and singer with The Drifters.
The Source: What are your business names, and can you tell me more about what you have to offer?
Musa Zalika Beyom: I run several businesses. South Tune Records is my indie label and production company, which has been going strong for five years. Sons of the Negev is a charitable trust company that helps reabsorb native members who were taken during the Arab and transatlantic slave trade back into our tribal villages. We’ve been preserving our culture through our school, House of Instruction, for nine years. Memra Media Group is my shining star company, focusing on radio promotions and public relations. We recently started a promo campaign where we select a random artist each month and give them one week of free radio promotion.
The Source: How does your artistry tie into your business?
Musa Zalika Beyom: Each company was a necessary step in my journey as an artist, community leader, educator, and prince. I felt responsible for providing the missing links and opening doors for Black people who were stripped of their identity through chattel slavery. Sons of the Negev helped me find my home and tribe of origin, and it was created to help others like me. South Tune Records allowed me to generate funds to build and support my community. Memra Media Group was needed for marketing, branding, and promotion. All these roles come together under the name Musa Zalika Beyom.
The Source: How did you choose your artist name?
Musa Zalika Beyom: My grandma named me Ashanti, which is Bantu for Musa. Musa means “Mighty Deeds.” My teacher, The Sheikh, named me Geddua (Gidon/Gideon), which means “great warrior man from the mount who helped everybody.” This name was given because I lived on a mountain in a tent for three months, helping strangers. There’s an old story in the tribe about a son who will return from afar. Blessed is the family who accepts him and helps him. Like Moses brought from the Nile, I was brought from the mount with a good deed done that day—thus, Musa Zalika Beyom.
The Source: Who are your inspirations for who you are today?
Musa Zalika Beyom: Earth, Wind & Fire, especially their song “Fantasy.” I met them backstage at the Louisville Palace several times while working as part of the cleaning crew. I also met Teddy Riley, Intro’s Kenny Greene (sip), and Buddy Wike, who lived in my neighborhood. My dad, who loved Tower of Power, has always been a huge inspiration.
The Source: What life experiences brought you down the path you’re on?
Musa Zalika Beyom: Two major life experiences shaped my path. The first was the death of my grandfather on my dad’s side around 1986. My family ensured I knew which tribe we belonged to and made me promise to go back one day. My mom made me keep that promise and saved all the information. The second was my divorce in 2015. I was really lost and depressed and wanted to reconnect with my roots. I traveled to South America out of curiosity, and then to the Negev Desert to find my people. I ended up staying for eight years and was appointed a crown prince. Losing everything was the best medicine for purging out toxicity.
The Source: What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur or explore their artistry?
Musa Zalika Beyom: Never give up. Adapt and overcome.
TikTok: @musazadikabeyom
Instagram: @ananiOzorumba
