Long-time friends and collaborators, Derek Gripper and Guy Buttery are leading exponents of the acoustic guitar scene in South Africa. We are delighted to present this amazing duo in Australia!

Their collaborations in the studio and on stage reflect a melting pot of South African, West African and East Asian influences: indelible works, crafted by two of the finest innovators to emerge from the tip of the continent in decades.

Guy Buttery is an internationally recognized multi-instrumentalist. He is one of South Africa’s musical phenoms and his international profile has evolved into a role of ambassador for his country's music, inspiring people across the world with his homegrown style at the very heart of his talent and tenacity. Buttery has worked with a myriad of artists including Dave Matthews, Jethro Tull, Vusi Mahlasela, Will Ackerman, Salif Keita, Preston Reed, Kaki King, The Violent Femmes, Jon Gomm and countless others. The media has cited him “as one of the finest exponents of the acoustic guitar in the World.” Expect high dynamics, deep grooves, delicate African inflections and mind-bending guitar playing of an entirely new order.

Derek Gripper is known for his groundbreaking technique, not least for evoking the West African kora on the guitar. Derek Gripper is a celebrated music explorer who is changing the face of classical guitar, while giving the instrument its very first African repertoire. When Gripper released “One Night on Earth,” his first album of kora translations, classical guitar legend John Williams said he thought it was “absolutely impossible until I heard Derek Gripper do it.” Ever since, Gripper has taken his well-traveled instrument into previously unimagined realms. His worldwide touring has led to performances and collaborations with Ballake Sissoko, Kaki King, John Williams, Debashish Bhattacharya, Toumani Diabate and many more.

Ages: 8+

Contact the host of Derek Gripper with Guy Buttery (Newcastle)