Art Doesn’t Stop for MS

Show notes

Robbi Kumalo’s life in music took her from school assemblies and New York recording studios to performing alongside legendary artists—and through a life-changing multiple sclerosis diagnosis. In conversation with host Tom Kranz, she reflects on adapting to illness, rebuilding after homelessness, and finding new ways to create and connect.

Kumalo shares stories from her career as a singer, storyteller, voice artist, and children’s performer, including how she came to work with Paul Simon’s production company and meet her husband, bassist Bakhiti Kumalo. She also talks about singing with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Chaka Khan, and contributing a song to the Grammy-nominated children’s album All One Tribe.

The conversation turns to her 2014 MS diagnosis and the months she spent in a Bronx homeless shelter. Kumalo describes the creative work she’s pursuing now—including her podcast, a children’s book about chronic illness, and a film—and offers a hopeful perspective on reinvention without sugarcoating the challenges.

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Key Topics

[00:00:09] – Robbi Kumalo’s music career and life after an MS diagnosis
[00:03:58] – Multiple Superbness, creativity, and adapting to new technology
[00:07:23] – Growing up on Long Island and finding her way into performing
[00:09:19] – Touring school assemblies and developing as a children’s artist
[00:13:24] – Working with Spike Lee and Paul Simon’s production company
[00:17:30] – Marriage to bassist Baghiti Kumalo and life around touring
[00:20:01] – Singing with major artists and building a music career
[00:24:19] – “Set It Free” and the All One Tribe children’s album
[00:27:04] – MS, homelessness, and finding support
[00:32:33] – Current creative projects and a message of resilience

Relevant Links

• Robbi Kumalo’s website: https://robbikumalo.com/

• Married to a Rockstar — Amazon search: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Married+to+a+Rockstar+Robbi+Kumalo

• APAP (Association of Performing Arts Professionals): https://apapnyc.org/

• National Multiple Sclerosis Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/

Kumalo’s story is a reminder that a changed life can still hold new work, new community, and new purpose. Her path through MS is deeply personal; for medical information and support, consult qualified healthcare professionals and trusted MS organizations.