 The Kumalo Band Under the direction of Bakithi and Robbi, The Kumalo Band spans musical styles from Jazz to Pop, South African Traditional grooves to Disco to music for the very young or very old - all in an effort to keep audiences dancing and smiling with joy. Bakithi's roots are in a musical family of Soweto, and he was destined to be a musician long before Paul Simon's expedition to South Africa. But it was Simon's Graceland album that gave the world at large a chance to hear his remarkable fretless bass guitar work in a series of sessions that guaranteed him a shot of his own. We all know that hit song “You Can Call Me Al.” Well, that amazing bass solo is Bakithi Kumalo! After Graceland brought him to New York, Bakithi became one of the more in-demand session players for the growing number of American artists looking for an "African" sound. Bakithi, who’s still touring with Simon, has also toured with Gloria Estefan, Chaka Khan, Harry Belafonte, Josh Groban, Hugh Masekela, Eileen Ivers, Randy Brecker, and many others. In addition to being a stellar jazz vocalist, multiple Parents’ Choice Award-winner Robbi Kumalo delivers a rousing, interactive journey through many musical styles and songs. Robbi K is one of the few African American women to have achieved national recognition in the field of children’s music. Unlike many of today’s children's musicians, Robbi's background is not in rock, but rather is in jazz, pop, and world beat. For years she has maintained an active schedule as a back-up singer with such artists as Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Jewel, Diana Ross, Rod Stewart, and Harry Belafonte among others. Her TV appearances with these artists include Oprah, 60 Minutes, Rosie, Regis & Kathie Lee, The View, VH-1 Storytellers, The Today Show, and Late Night with David Letterman. Robbi is married to Grammy-winning bassist Bakithi Kumalo, whose longstanding association with Paul Simon since Graceland is a story unto itself. The Kumalo Band inspires you to ‘be in’ and enjoy ‘the moment’, allowing the music of the soul to surface, replenishing our lives with the passion that moves us positively forward. The Kumalo Band appears in concert, as well as for corporate events and private parties. Book this ensemble |
