African Bass Masterclass: Egypt & Zimbabwe

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Explore the rich traditions of African bass through the modal grooves of Egypt and the rhythmic drive of Zimbabwe. This course blends technique, cultural insight, and hands-on practice to help you craft authentic, powerful basslines that transcend genres. Ideal for intermediate to advanced players seeking to expand their rhythmic and melodic vocabulary.

Expand Your Vocabulary. Master the Unexpected. Redefine Your Groove.


The African Bass Masterclass: Egypt & Zimbabwe offers a dynamic exploration of bass styles from two distinct musical regions of the continent, North and Southern Africa. From the intricate, modal-infused grooves of Egypt to the deeply rooted, rhythmically driven traditions of Zimbabwe and Congo, this course takes you on a journey through both ancient pulse and modern adaptation.

It is designed for intermediate to advanced players and it features immersive, regionally focused modules where you’ll build the skills needed to create authentic basslines and develop the musical insight to improvise, compose, and collaborate across genres. You’ll explore Egyptian rhythmic structures, Middle Eastern modes like Hijazz, Zimbabwean Chimurenga patterns, traditional Shona grooves, and Congolese Sebene phrasing. Each module is accompanied by hands-on exercises, breakdowns, and backing tracks.

This is more than a technique course. You’ll gain cultural context, historical insight, and a deeper understanding of how bass functions not just as accompaniment, but as a driving force in African music. Each lesson connects theory to feel, offering you the tools to express yourself with groove, creativity, and confidence.

Whether you’re a jazz player expanding your vocabulary, a session bassist exploring new rhythmic textures, or a curious learner drawn to African music traditions, this course equips you with the skills and knowledge to bring depth, energy, and authenticity to every note you play.

ABM4 Vertical
ABM4 Horizontal

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course participants will gain:

Rhythmic Mastery

  • Recognize and perform complex African rhythms such as Maqsum, Saidi, and Masmoudi Saghir.
  • Execute 12/8 rhythmic patterns found in Zimbabwean Chimurenga music.
  • Develop time-keeping and pulse awareness through extended groove-based exercises.

Modal and Scale Fluency

  • Identify and apply Middle Eastern modes like Hijazz in bass improvisation.
  • Adapt scales and melodic phrasing to match traditional African tonal frameworks.
  • Modulate key signatures fluently while maintaining stylistic integrity.

Cultural & Musical Adaptability

  • Analyze regional characteristics of Egyptian, Congolese, and Zimbabwean bass styles.
  • Reproduce culturally specific ornamentation and groove development techniques.
  • Apply African stylistic techniques across modern genres like funk, jazz, and gospel.

Creative Application

  • Compose and improvise original basslines using call-and-response principles.
  • Integrate African rhythmic and melodic elements into collaborative or solo projects.
  • Respond musically to backing tracks with authentic phrasing and groove awareness.

MEET YOUR TUTOR

At 14 years old, Edd Bateman was playing heavy metal basslines in his bedroom when his mother interrupted with an unexpected opportunity. A Zimbabwean Sungura and Chimurenga dance band, Chimanimani, had just arrived in England and needed a bass player immediately. With barely a week to prepare, Edd took the gig. Within a month, he found himself playing African nightclubs in London, university venues, and even Glastonbury Festival. He stayed with Chimanimani for six years, learning the intricacies of Zimbabwean bass firsthand.

In his early 20s, Edd’s focus shifted to West Africa, where he began intensive training with the Cissokho family of griots in Senegal. Performing marathon five-hour shows alongside Solo Cissokho, Seckou Keita, Sadio Cissokho, and the Jalikunda family, he absorbed the deep rhythmic traditions of Mbalax and Mandinka music. Guest appearances with Cheikh Lô, Orchestra Baobab, and Super Diamono solidified his reputation as a versatile and instinctive player.

With thousands of concerts to his name, Edd has led bands blending African and global styles, including London Astrobeat Orchestra and Edd Bateman’s West African Love Affair. In 2020, recognizing the lack of structured learning for African bass guitar, he founded World Music Method, an online platform dedicated to sharing the techniques and traditions of African and world music.

In 2024, Edd was called in at the last minute to tour with Sahara Desert Blues virtuoso Bombino, stepping onto the stage without rehearsal. In 2025, he expanded his musical journey to India and Pakistan, performing alongside Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan and leading members of the Sham Chaurasi Gharana. His deep foundation in African music allowed him to adapt instantly, navigating unfamiliar repertoire on the spot, a skill that defines a truly masterful bass player.

The Ultimate Learning Experience

 

African Bass Masterclass: Egypt & Zimbabwe

Immersive lessons teaching you to master bass styles from North and Southern Africa. Explore the modal grooves of Egypt, the rhythmic traditions of Zimbabwe, and a bonus module including rich phrasing of Congo to redefine your bass playing.

 

Interactive On-Screen Notation

Learn faster and more effectively with our on-screen notation and tablature. Use virtual fretboards, slow motion, and looping to break down each exercise step by step.

 

Authentic African Backing Tracks

Put your skills into practice with region-specific backing tracks. Groove to Egyptian rhythms, Zimbabwean Chimurenga, and Congolese Sebene feels while developing authentic phrasing and timing.

 

Chimurenga Masterclass

Learn from the best. Watch legendary Zimbabwean guitarist Gilbert Zvamaida's exclusive World Music Method masterclass and learn about the Chimurenga genre from Thomas Mapfumo's right hand guitarist. Join the session live. Date to be confirmed but expected to be mid or late October.

 

Course Content

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Course Includes

  • 5 Modules
  • 32 Lessons
  • Lifetime Access
  • Student Support Group

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