Ballaké Sissoko & Derek Gripper @ Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse, Berkeley, CA, USA, 01/22/2025

[concert_goer]

Ballaké Sissoko, the world-renowned kora virtuoso from Mali, and Derek Gripper, the Cape Town-based guitarist who is redefining classical guitar by introducing its first African repertoire, performed together last night at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse. All tickets were sold out, the promoter noted they could have easily booked two such instrumental concerts in Berkeley. The evening began with an extended, nearly thirty-minute piece, where the shimmering tones of the kora wove seamlessly with the guitar, creating a mesmerizing musical tapestry that fully immersed the audience. Derek delivered a fascinating fusion of African motifs, Western influences, and classical melodies, while Ballaké stayed true to his folk roots, with both musicians playing unplugged. Each artist also performed a solo composition, adding to a truly enchanting concert that spanned nearly an hour and a half. Such an awesome show!

Time: 8:05 PM — 9:28 PM