Bakithi Kumalo
Acting
Biography
Bakithi Kumalo (born 10 May 1956) is a South African bassist, composer, and vocalist. Kumalo is best known for his fretless bass playing on Paul Simon's 1986 album Graceland, in particular the bass run on "You Can Call Me Al". Bakithi Kumalo was born in the Johannesburg township of Soweto, surrounded by relatives who loved music and actively performed. He got his first job at the age of seven filling in for his uncle's bass player. Kumalo worked as a session musician in South Africa during the 1970s and early 1980s, eventually becoming a top session bassist and accompanying international performers during their South African tours. In 1985, Kumalo was introduced to Paul Simon by producer Hendrick Lebone during the sessions for Simon's Graceland album. Kumalo traveled with Simon to New York City to finish the sessions, and after the accompanying concert tour, "spent several years commuting between Soweto and New York City" before permanently settling in the United States. Kumalo has toured regularly with Simon since then. He has also released several solo records, and continued to perform as a session musician with artists such as Joan Baez, Cyndi Lauper, Herbie Hancock, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Randy Brecker, Grover Washington Jr., and Mickey Hart.
Known For
A documentary series about pop and rock albums that are considered the best or most distinctive of a well-known band or musician or that exemplify a stage in the history of music.
Classic Albums
Singer Paul Simon and several African musicians perform a concert to benefit victims of apartheid in South Africa.
Paul Simon | Graceland: The African Concert
Recorded live at Theatre de l'Olympia, Paris October 30-31, 2000 Tracklisting: 1. That's Where I Belong 2. Graceland 3. One Man's Ceiling is another Man's Floor 4. You're The One 5. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover 6. That Was Your Mother 7. Me And Julio Down By The School Yard 8. The Teacher 9. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes 10. You Can Call Me Al 11. Old Friends 12. Homeward Bound 13. I Am A Rock 14. Darling Loraine 15. Old 16. The Boy in the Bubble 17. Pledging My Love 18. The Late Great Johnny Ace 19. The Coast 20. Late In The Evening 21. American Tune 22. Hurricane Eye 23. Kodachrome 24. Bridge Over Troubled Water 25. Still Crazy After All These Years 26. The Boxer