from Soweto to Graceland Bakithi Kumalo “...this cable is Reunion. Little did the young and the left-hand work of accordion unbelievable. I’m just talented Bakithi have any idea players in township bands, then that Graceland would become a later from the likes of Stanley Clarke, loving it!” huge international hit, propelled Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius, by fretless bass playing that would Bakithi’s unique approach to bass help define the album’s signature earned him coveted sideman sound and deliver to a grateful positions with a host of artists, from audience a host of immediately Cyndi Lauper and Gloria Estefan recognizable bass hooks. to Grover Washington and Herbie Hancock. Along the way: Five 35 years later, Bakithi is still part of solo albums, The Lion King 2019 Paul Simon’s band, still delighting soundtrack, and the joyous live hen aspiring bassist Bakithi audiences with the Call Me Al bass Graceland Experience. WKumalo found out that break, and still imparting a feel he had been recommended for and sound that is uniquely Bakithi Bakithi keeps his bass rig simple, the project that would become to music beloved by a generation. the goal being for his unmistakable Paul Simon’s Graceland, his first tone to shine through. The latest reaction was “Paul who?” In Soweto, Bakithi’s bass “voice”—often addition to that rig: Cordial cables. the depressed apartheid-era described as having a human vocal Says Bakithi: “The performance of South African township where quality—was formed from local this cable is unbelievable…now I Bakithi was born and raised, the influences: his mother’s church can hear all the frequencies in my American superstar was largely choir, his sax-playing uncle’s band, bass sound. I’m just loving it!” unknown, save for a single chart- and a host of neighborhood topping track, Mother and Child musicians. Taking inspiration from www.CordialCablesUSA.com Bakithi’s Cordial Favorite: Paul Simon Paul Hugh Masekela Anderson Laurie Joan Baez Cyndi Lauper Bird Tony John Capek Miriam Makeba Hewitt David Brickell Edie Randy Brecker Washington Grover Carl Perkins Estefan Gloria Rada Ruben Chris Botti Bullock Hiram HartMicky Angélique Kidjo Hancock Herbie Armstead Christian Mel Holder Ivers Eileen Marion Felicia Winter Paul Beckstein Jay Chico César Diop Vieux Rada Ruben Chesky David Fig Anton Groban Josh Max Gabriel Mahlasela Vusi Band Trucks Tedeschi CSI METAL The Inspiring Musical Journeys of Cordial Artists Cordial of Journeys Musical The Inspiring 1986 1990 1995 2005 2015 2020 High Copper Instrument.