Guy Buttery (Boston)

“Guy Buttery is something of a national treasure,” declares South Africa’s leading newspaper, The Mercury. As an internationally celebrated musician, this multi-instrumentalist has captivated audiences worldwide with his remarkable talent. From the USA and UK to Australia, France, Brazil, and Italy, he has consistently performed sold-out concerts, earning invitations to return year after year. Yet, to describe Guy Buttery merely as a South African musical prodigy would be an oversimplification. His role transcends performance; he has become an ambassador of South African music, sharing his homegrown artistry and inspiring audiences around the globe. Through his music, Guy embodies the essence of his homeland, offering a vivid and uplifting portrait of its cultural richness.

At just 18, Guy Buttery’s debut album earned nominations for ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best Instrumental’ at the South African Music Awards (SAMA), making him the youngest nominee in the event’s history. He went on to win two SAMAs, in 2010 and 2014, cementing his reputation as a trailblazing artist. His accolades include the prestigious Ovation Award for live performances at the National Arts Festival, where he has been recognized more often than any other artist.

Among his career highlights is performing with the 52-piece KZN Philharmonic Orchestra, dubbed “Africa’s greatest ensemble.” His solo performances have been lauded as “Top Live Show” by The Cape Times, and he was named one of South Africa’s Top Young Personalities by The Mail & Guardian. In 2018, he achieved the pinnacle of South African artistic recognition, receiving the Standard Bank Young Artist Award—a historic moment, as he became the first musician outside the classical genre to be honored in the award’s nearly four-decade history.

Throughout his career, Guy Buttery has collaborated with an impressive array of renowned artists, including Dave Matthews, Jethro Tull, Vusi Mahlasela, Grammy Award-winner Will Ackerman, Salif Keita, Preston Reed, Kaki King, The Violent Femmes, and Jon Gomm. Critics have hailed him as “one of the finest exponents of the acoustic guitar in the world.” His performances deliver a mesmerizing blend of dynamic energy, intricate rhythms, African-inspired nuances, and astonishing guitar techniques that redefine the possibilities of the instrument.