I’ve always been inspired by global music and storytelling events, and part of me would love to be on each of those stages. But with multiple sclerosis and a complex world, I’m focusing on what I can do best—bringing the…
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Podcast Notes Blog
I know who I am; finally
Robbi Hall Kumalo, a multifaceted creative professional and educator. As a Grammy-nominated artist and author, Kumalo integrates her expertise in music, storytelling, and acting to mentor others and produce diverse multimedia content. Her work is deeply influenced by her Bahá’í faith and her personal journey of resilience while living with multiple sclerosis, which she uses to inspire fellow artists and those facing chronic illness. Through her business entities and various podcasts, she promotes healing and cultural memory by blending childlike wonder with mature spiritual reflection. Ultimately, the document defines her trajectory from a performer to a cultural elder focused on global storytelling and creative education.
Notes to myself - that you can read
The Music, the Journey, and the Stories We Carry
I’ve always believed music is more than melody—it’s a bridge across time, space, and identity. Growing up in a family that navigated Jim Crow, redlining, and the vibrant multicultural tapestry of New York, I learned early that stories matter. From…
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Winter’s Farewell: Rainy April and the Promise of May
As April drizzles in, winter slowly loosens its grip, but not without a final rain-soaked bow. For me—an artist navigating the world with a disability—the weather is more than just scenery. Rain means moving quickly or finding transport to carry…
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Send me a message OUT-LOUD
Music - single
I wanted to write a Blues for young people that was happier than melancholy. Working with Jimmy Owens is always a challenging education for me as a jazz singer, because I am a baby! I know nothing enough about jazz! I Read more
I wanted to write a Blues for young people that was happier than melancholy. Working with Jimmy Owens is always a challenging education for me as a jazz singer, because I am a baby! I know nothing enough about jazz! I knew nothing enough about parenting either! But, I do know about joyfulness and working with Jimmy is always joyful.
I taught him something by calling a song in a key that is not usually played in; he kindly tells me this after the fact of the concert! And the way he said it was only as a great college professor would say it to a student… “Thank you for helping me practice this song, in all 12 keys!”
I thought to myself in that split second… All 12 keys?!!! I never do that, whoops! What a kind way to learn a lesson that still sticks with me the rest of my human years