(R)Evolutionary Lows: Electric Bass Lines in South African Music, 1970 to 1994

Abstract

This thesis explores the South African electric bass tradition from 1970 to the early 1990s. It focuses on the careers, early musicking and work of five prominent bass players: Sipho Gumede, Bakithi Kumalo, Fana Zulu, Spencer Mbadu and Carlo Mombelli. These musicians were chosen to broadly sample the developing bass styles within the country’s jazz and popular music scenes. Being the first generation of electric bass players to have access to the instrument from a young age they developed the techniques, styles and standards for future generations. My study focuses on the compositional styles, performance techniques and grooves of their work and musicking. I have transcribed and analysed three works from each bass player’s body of work, and include two transcriptions of the music of Joseph Makwela, who may be considered the father of South African electric bass. I have also written brief musical biographies of the musicians constructed from in-depth interviews I did with them.