African Bassists

In my research for this post, I wasn't surprised to find someone had already done what I was trying to do: compile a list of amazing bassists from Africa. The article posted at afropop.org is more comprehensive than what I would have put together, so in addition to the videos I had ready to go, I'll just add some that they left off.

Spotlight on African Bass Players

Armand Sabal-Lecco - Cameroon 

From StanleyClarke.com: Armand Sabal-Lecco is a virtuoso artist, composer, singer and internationally acclaimed bass superstar. His massive list of worldwide credits include Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, Sting, Sir George Martin, Seal, Herbie Hancock, Christina Aguilera, Jeff Beck, Carole King, Brian Wilson, Ray Charles, Ringo Starr and Celine Dion.

Sabal-Lecco's compositions for John Pattitucci's "Another World" led to Grammy nominations in 1994, and he has been honored by the National Academy of Recording Artists and Sciences for his work on the Brecker Brothers Grammy Winner "Out of the Loop", as well as the hit 2002 Latin Grammy "Alejandro Sanz Unplugged".
http://www.myspace.com/armandsaballecco 

Habib Faye - Senegal (Mickey Hart, Zawinul, Chet Atkins, Mark Knopfler, Branford Marsalis, David Sanborn)
http://www.habibfaye.net/
http://www.myspace.com/habibfaye


Isildo Novela - Mozambique
http://www.myspace.com/isildonovela


more videos after the jump

Guy Nsangué Akwa - Cameroon (Jean Luc Ponty) "He’s really a unique player.  I mean, there are a lot of great players in the world, but he’s definitely one of them." -Jean Luc Ponty

Etienne Mbappé - Cameroon (Zawinul Syndicate, Steps Ahead, Ray Charles)
http://www.etiennembappe.com/


Bakithi Kumalo - South Africa (Gloria Estefan, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Harry Belafonte, Cyndi Lauper).  Kumalo is probably the most well known of African bassists, not in name, but because like most average Americans, I've heard this song.
http://www.bakithikumalo.com/