Derek Gripper

South African Classical Guitarist

Virtuoso guitarist Derek Gripper is a solo performer from the Western Cape of South Africa. He has created extraordinary musical works by fusing the country's disparate creative traditions with styles from around the world. His music draws on European classical traditions, avant-garde Brazilian works, Malian kora works, Cape Town’s folk styles such as goema and vastrap, and Indian classical music. Mr. Gripper began his formal musical training at the age of six on the violin. Furthering his studies in India, Derek took up the guitar upon his return to South Africa. Meeting the late Alex van Heerden resulted in his first release on open record in 2002, with solo follow-up "Blomdoorns" showcasing his skills with an experimental 8-string guitar. Derek Gripper has performed as far afield as Holland, Denmark, the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, India, and Namibia.