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Washburn on the Oscars With Bakithi Kumalo
Press Release
2003-03-31

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Washburn Guitars is pleased to announce the appearance of Bakithi Kumalo on the Oscars. Bakithi and Paul Simon performed his Oscar-nominated song, “Father and Daughter,” at the 75th annual Academy Awards this Sunday, March 23rd. “Father and Daughter,” featured in The Wild Thornberrys Movie, was nominated in the category of Best Music (Song). Bakithi played his RB2502MBL during the performance on Sunday.

South African composer, vocalist, and bassist Bakithi Kumalo was born in the Alexandria Township of Johannesburg. He was exposed to local musical styles such as mbaqanga, mbube, and jive while he was very young. At an early age, he decided to become a musician and at seven, was already performing in his uncle's band. Due to his persistence, he quickly became a regular on the wedding and party circuit around the township. At ten, he went on a tour into Zululand where he remained for a year and a half. It was at this time that he developed his unique approach to bass playing.

Bakithi's fame grew, but his musical career was still a terrible struggle and he was seriously considering taking a job as a car mechanic at that time Paul Simon came calling in 1985. Simon was in South Africa to assemble a band for his "Graceland" album. A well-known Johannesburg producer suggested Bakithi for his unique ability. Simon was entranced by his sound and, after some preliminary sessions in South Africa, he flew Bakithi to New York City to complete the tracks. Bakithi was both thrilled and terrified to be in New York City. He had always longed to go to New York, but he barely spoke English and was understandably overwhelmed by this sudden dramatic change in fortune. However, his misgivings did not affect his playing and his indelible contributions to the Grammy-winning "Graceland" album gave him major visibility in the American music industry. He found himself in much demand for recordings and tours with many great artists such as Chaka Khan, Harry Belafonte, Cyndi Lauper, Laurie Anderson, Jon Secada, and Gloria Estefan.

The RB2502, which Bakithi plays, features a maple neck with Indian rosewood fingerboard, and a body crafted from North American alder. Neck size, easy playability and a powerful tone are the principal reasons why artist interest has increased dramatically.

All of Washburn's RB Series basses feature our innovative Hammerhead™ design. The RB Basses are a new dimension in bass technology. A brass-loaded headstock enhances the neck's tonal frequency while substantially increasing sustain.

Washburn guitars is extremely proud of Bakithi accomplishments and we offer him congratulations on his Oscar performance.