Derek Gripper

Derek Gripper is a ground-breaking guitarist from Cape Town, South Africa, known for his unique take on the music of Africa and beyond. He is the only guitarist in the world to have mastered the unique and magical music of the Malian griot harp players, the masters of the ancient instrument called the kora. Derek’s nine CD released have established him as one of South Africa's most forward thinking solo instrumentalists and most prolific recording artists. The Sound of Water, a recording of original compositions set against those of iconic Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, attracted a 2012 South African Music Award nomination. His next recording, One Night on Earth - Music from the Strings of Mali, displays his mastery of the music of Malian virtuosos.