Kai Eckhardt was born the year of 1961 in Mainz/ Germany, raised by his German mother in the town of Bingen until the age of six.  In joining his African father, Kai moved to Monrovia, Liberia where he spent  four years attending West African middle school.   In 1970 he returned to Germany into foster care.  During this period Kai developed a talent in competitive sports, excelling in track, gymnastics and diving.  In 1972, Kai won the title “junior district champion” in the one-and three meter board diving competitions.  After a series of injuries Kai turned away from competitive sports and discovered music.   A bass guitar was given to him by a school mate and he began practicing seriously.  Besides music, academics where an important factor in Kai’s life.  Kai r received his German high school diploma in 1980, finishing with the second best grade point average of his class.

In 1982 Kai conscientiously objected to the German army.   Instead of serving in the military he was drafted to be a nurse’s assistant at the Children’s Neurological Institute in Mainz/ Germany, caring for children with special needs.   Throughout his service Kai remained faithful to his instrument, the bass guitar.  After receiving a scholarship from Berklee College of Music, Kai left Germany to attend college in Boston, MA in the year of 1983.  After graduating with honors in 1987, Kai began his active touring life as a bassist, clinician and composer.   Touring an average of 120 shows per year over a 30 year period shaped Kai’s perspective in music and in life.

Over the years, Kai has developed a strong interest in social justice issues leading him to help  organize benefit concerts for the homeless population in Berkeley, CA.  He has collaborated in projects with activists Julia Butterfly Hill, Rachel Bagby, Van Jones and  Majora Carter.  From 2017 to 2019 Kai served as president of the board of directors for Artists United an Oakland based arts advocacy non-profit organization.  Today Kai resides in Berkeley, California together with his wife Regina. They raised  their two children Danilo and Naima  together in a multi-lingual environment speaking English, Portuguese and German.  The couple also released an album entitled “B-link”  featuring original music and poetry.