His name is K-Bass ( Bassirima Soro ) from South Africa. He made a name for himself as “The Barefoot Runner,” winning races and marathons, and gaining national and global fame, even having been featured on shows NPR and other major news outlets. I’ve even heard and read stories (Sports Illustrated) of how people in the states took notice and caused scientists to study the effect of running barefoot, and many to follow in his footsteps ( ah, one of my patented “lousy puns” and unintentional at that ). You may have heard of him, too.
Having been a fan of island music and reggae since I was a kid, I was a bit surprised when Soro showed up in my inbox. I gotta say, “this is some really good, fun, feel-good music!” Lilting and moving, it’s dance-able all the way through. Singing in a few languages – and thank goodness some is in English – and writing about spirituality, delivering a message of positive growth, K-Bass is an inspiration to his home and his fans. I can only imagine the bouncing, dancing throngs of people loving every minute of his live shows, and I hope he shows up at Bonnaroo or one of the other festivals in the Middle Tennessee area, soon!
I think from here, I’ll let his story and music speak for itself…
Fluent in English, French and his native language, Bambara, K-Bass was born in Côte d’Ivoire (The Ivory Coast), Africa to a deeply loving family of musicians. K-Bass’s late father, a traditional medicine man, singer and Ngoni (a string instrument originating in West Africa) player and his mother, a singer and dancer, were both descended from families in which music is the center of everything. Through music and dance they celebrate birth and death, comfort the living, resolve conflicts and share their knowledge and Love. They instilled their great passion for music in K-Bass as a young boy.
Despite severe economic hardships, K-Bass obtained a hard won education and became a world class cross country and marathon runner, earning celebrity status in his native country and surrounding regions. Nonetheless, seeing that opportunities were limited in his native country, K-Bass moved to the United States despite knowing no English. Needing to make ends meet, K-Bass learned English and continued to compete as a runner, while earning a nursing degree. For years, K-Bass continued to win important races earning the name, “The Barefoot Runner” and continued to pursue, his first love, music.
After moving to Tucson, Arizona, and winning the prestigious Tucson Marathon 6 times, barefoot, (for which he was written up in Sports Illustrated and numerous other sports magazines and blogs) K-Bass became the lead singer of the southern Arizona African mix band, “The Key Ingredients of African Soul” and was a guest artist with a number of other African style bands.
K-Bass’ solo career has started with a bang and the launch of two solo albums: “Too Much Negativity”, released on April 25, 2009 and his latest album “La Liberté”. K-Bass and his amazing band, K-Bass and Farafina Musiki, continuing to wow audiences incredible stage charisma and K-Bass’ innovative blend of Afro-pop, Reggae and several traditional African styles. A new album, as yet unnamed is due for release in 2013 as K-Bass popularity grows. http://www.kbassmusic.com/about.html
www.kbassmusic.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/kbassandfarafinamusiki
