Bakithi Kumalo on Paul Simon, Fretless Bass, and Finding His Voice - The Bass Nerds Podcast

Bakithi Kumalo’s bass playing helped define one of the most iconic albums of all time: Paul Simon’s Graceland. But his story goes far beyond those legendary fretless lines. In this episode of The Bass Nerds, Bakithi talks with Marc and Jody about his early days in South Africa, finding his voice on the bass, and what it was like recording with legends like Simon, Herbie Hancock, and Harry Belafonte. He also shares insight into his gear, his musical instincts, and how he continues to mentor the next generation of players while staying deeply rooted in joy and groove.