DEREK GRIPPER

“My white twin!” That’s what the renowned kora master Toumani Diabaté called Derek Gripper after hearing his own music being played on the classical guitar. Derek Gripper launched on an artistic process: undertaking of adapting kora music to a six-string guitar while retaining all the richness, subtlety and chord complexity of the majestic 21-string African harp.

And it is with the utmost respect for the kora and its traditions that he accomplished this sensational feat, through which he pays tribute to the fabulous heritage of Mandinka music.

After an unforgettable performance at the last edition of the Nuits d’Afrique International Festival, Derek honors us by coming back to Montreal directly from Cape Town, South Africa for an intimate concert at Balattou on Thursday, March 23rd.