South African composer, vocalist, and bassist Bakithi Kumalo (Bah-gee-tee Koomah-low) first came to the attention of the American public following the release of Paul Simon’s influential Graceland album.
He was born in the Alexandria Township of Johannesberg. Abandoned by his father as a toddler, he was raised by his mother, who was a singer, and his family in nearby Soweto. He was exposed to local musical styles such as mbaqanga (a groove peculiar to the townships), mbube (a cappella vocal music), and jive (electric, urban pop) while he was very young.
At an early age, he decided to become a musician and at seven, was already performing in his uncle’s band. Due to his persistence, he quickly became a regular on the wedding and party circuit around the township. At ten, he went on a tour into Zululand where he remained for a year and a half. During that time, he practiced the bass tirelessly. It was at this time that he developed his unique approach to bass playing.
With a reputation as a prodigy now established, Bakithi started to get recording session work, but the record companies were exploitative (he was paid as little as $2.50 per side) and money remained scarce. He did any work he could do to get by, including selling newspapers. As an only child, he felt a profound sense of responsibility towards his mother, but never doubted that he would someday become a famous musician and would be able to take good care of her.
In addition to economic hardships, Bakithi was also dealing with an oppressive political system, Under Apartheid, the police could commit any atrocities they pleased against people of color and never be held accountable. When Bakithi had a recording session in the city proper, he had to carry papers that authorized his presence in town. Without them, he would have risked needy certain arrest and detainment.
Bakithi’s fame grew, but his musical career was still a terrible struggle and he was seriously considering taking a job as a car mechanic at the time Paul Simon came calling in 1985. Simon was in South Africa to assemble a band for his “Graceland” album. A well-known Johannesberg producer suggested Bakithi for his unique ability. Simon was entranced by his sound and, after some preliminary sessions in South Africa, he flew Bakithi to New York City to complete the tracks.
Bakithi was both thrilled and terrified to be in New York City. He had always longed to go to New York, but he barely spoke English and was understandably overwhelmed by this sudden dramatic change in fortune. However, his misgivings did not affect his playing and his indelible contributions to the Grammy-winning “Graceland” album gave him major visibility in the American music industry. He found himself in much demand for recordings and tours with many great artists such as Chaka Khan, Harry Belafonte, Cyndi Lauper, Laurie Anderson, Jon Secada, and Gloria Estefan.
Bakithi put down roots in Long Island, New York with his wife, American singer Robbi Hall Kumalo, and two children. They went to the new South Africa during 1997, and again in 1998 where Bakithi and Robbi performed at the Capetown Jazz Festival with Regina Carter, Carl Anderson and Donald Harrison. Having been in South Africa as a free man, Bakithi is relieved that his people will never suffer the oppression of apartheid again.
Discography
Graceland (1986)
Paradise in Gazankulu (1988)
A Night To Remember (1989)
Step on the Bass Line (1996)
Sanibonani (1998)
Supralingua, with Mickey Hart and Planet Drum (1998)
In Front of My Eyes (2000)
This Is Me (2005)
Transmigration (2006)
Change (2009)
Stranger to Stranger (2016)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.