Bakithi Kumalo

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 H...