Washburn Artists: Bakithi Kumalo

Bakithi Kumalo

When Paul Simon released the "Graceland" album in 1985 it started a demand for World Music in the United States that is still being felt today. Bakithi Kumalo played a large part in making "Graceland" so acceptable to American ears. His sinewy, soulful African inflected fretless bass lines are the foundation on which "Graceland" is built. Growing up in the Alexandria Township of Johannesburg, South Africa, Bakithi became known as a bass prodigy after joining his uncle's band at age seven. Upon a well-known South African producer's recommendation, Paul Simon flew Bakithi to New York City to begin work on "Graceland." The rest is history. In addition to working with Simon Bakithi has also toured and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan Mickey Hart, Harry Belafonte, Cyndi Lauper, Laurie Anderson, Jon Secada and Gloria Estefan.

Additionally, Bakithi just released his first solo album, "San Bonan" on Siam Records. "San Bonan" is a joyous melting pot of numerous world music styles and sounds. Bakithi plays a number of Washburn electric and acoustic basses. Most recently he has been playing the fretless Bakithi Kumalo signature model which is a variation of the Washburn AB35 5 string acoustic model.

The Gear

Bakithi plays a Washburn RB2602, XB900 & AB35 Fretless .


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