Derek Gripper

Ballaké Sissoko is the greatest kora virtuoso in the world, a seminal improviser with an ability to unlock every possible nuance on the kora. Derek Gripper's love of the kora set him transcribing and recording some of the greatest works of the instrument, changing the face of classical guitar and giving the instrument its very first African repertoire. Their performances and recordings are all achieved without any verbal communication, just a mutual love of their shared repertoire and the possibilities of the plucked string.