Bakithi Kumalo Archives

In this episode of “From The Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into the 1987 Album of the Year, Paul Simon’s “Graceland,” the amazing Bakithi Kumalo, and the hit song that introduced the rest of the world to Mbaqanga music: “You Can Call Me Al.”

Gerald Veasley’s Bass Bootcamp is back for 2022, which will mark the camp’s 20th anniversary. The weekend-long getaway will once again include hands-on workshops, masterclasses, giveaways, and meet and greets with the camp’s faculty.

This has been a holiday tradition for many years, thanks to our friend Steve Bailey. Check out this year’s video by Steve and the Berklee Bass Department (with Victor Wooten and Bakithi Kumalo) with an impressive performance with some holiday cheer.

Bass legend Bakithi Kumalo has released a new solo album called “What You Hear Is What You See”. The ten-song collection is inspired by his journey from South Africa to the U.S. some 35 years ago as well as characters he’s met during his travels.

This month’s episode of Groove - the No Treble Podcast features a true legend. Enjoy the conversation with Bakithi Kumalo...

This week’s Berklee Bass Department webinar will feature heroes of the fretless bass. Guests will include Tony Franklin, Percy Jones, Gary Willis, Steve DiGiorgio, Alain Caron, Bakithi Kumalo, Michael Manring, and Mark Egan.

For many years now, we’ve had a great holiday tradition, thanks to Steve Bailey. Steve sent us this year’s Berklee Bass Department holiday video. This year’s Mashup features Steve along with Bakithi Kumalo, John Patitucci, and Victor Wooten.

Steve Bailey has returned with a new solo album, or more appropriately, duet album. “Carolina” is an amazing 17-song collection that showcases the six-string wonder with a wide array of artists.

Paul Simon shocked the world on February 5th when he released a statement that he’s retiring from touring. That led me to watch a ton of his videos, including this clip for his recent song “Wristband.” Simon is joined by longtime collaborator Bakithi Kumalo, who many know for his incredible bass lines on the Graceland album. “Wristband” comes from 2016’s...

The Bass Bash is returning to Anaheim, California for its 15th anniversary, and this time they’re pulling out all the stops. The two-night event, which coincides with the Winter NAMM Show, features some of the most talented bassists in the world performing on one stage. The lineup for Thursday, January 25th will include Mohini Dey, Cheikh Ndoye, Reggie Young, Abraham...

In 2012, Paul Simon reunited with his Graceland musicians to perform special concert at the Hard Rock Calling Festival in London. Held at Hyde Park, the concert also featured special appearances by Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Jimmy Cliff. The whole cast was anchored by the unshakeable bass grooves of Bakithi Kumalo. Luckily, it’s been released on DVD. Kumalo,...

Transcriptionist Aidan Hampson has turned his talents to to the work of prolific singer/songwriter Paul Simon. His latest book, The Best of Paul Simon for Bass, features bass lines created by some of the greatest: Anthony Jackson, Tony Levin and Bakithi Kumalo on fretless bass. The book includes 12 songs: Mother and Child Reunion Me and Julio Down by the...