Nibs van der Spuy is an acoustic guitarist, singer songwriter phenomomen from South Africa. His virtuosic acoustic guitar style and a mesmeric whispering voice have attracted a widespread following for its intelligent folk, world and African overtones.

His 2008 offering, ‘A BIRD IN THE HAND’ received accolades and 5 stars from across the globe. Germany’s JAZZTHETIC publication cited it as a future classic of the folk genre while the GUARDIAN praised Nibs for producing the most sensitive and breathy songs and instrumentals on the continent.

He has just returned from tours of the UK and France (where he enjoys his biggest international popularity.) Nibs also recently played the prestigious Blues and Roots festival in Australia where he shared the bill with Jack Johnson and Ben Harper.

His latest offering, “A HOUSE ACROSS THE RIVER” was released in April 2010 in South Africa with all international releases to following in September of the same year. On its release Nibs had a full page article in one of France’s newspapers, LIBERATION and won a Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award at the recent National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. Most recently, Keith Tamkei from the Sunday Times gave “A HOUSE ACROSS THE RIVER” a 5 star review.

Nibs' spellbinding acoustic guitar style was recognized with his first band, Landscape Prayers between 1993 - 2003. His diversity as a songwriter, singer and finger stylist, reached a broader audience with the release of his solo albums; 'Lines on my face'(1999) and 'Flower in the rain'(2002). His third offering, ‘Beautiful feet’ was released internationally in 2007 receiving rave reviews in every country, from the London Guardian to the Sydney Herald. His follow up to ‘Beautiful Feet’ was ‘a Bird in the Hand’ (2008) to great critical acclaim across the globe.
5 Star review for ‘A House across the River’

‘Pervasive traditional African storytelling craft, carried aloft Nibs's creative music writing and lively maskanda guitar mixed in with acoustic folk sounds make this a remarkable album. From the opening harmonica, deep base and tinny riffs of the picturesque title track, to the hymnal Nieu Bethesda and solemn Celtic instrumental Apple Tree Wick, this album propels Nibs as a foremost proponent of the fine weave of cultural sounds that are this country. | Sunday Times, South Africa (Aug 2010)


Reviews for ‘A Bird in the Hand’

‘a Bird in the Hand’ is expressed through beautifully weighted and filigreed acoustic playing and van der Spuy’s use of compelling metaphors in sensitive appraisal of his homeland’s pain and traumas. Magisterially persuasive. | UNCUT (Jan 2009)
Nibs has set out to produce the most sensitive and breathy songs on the continent with instrumental pieces showing off his classy, gently sturdy guitar work | The Guardian, UK (Dec 2008)
Nibs van der Spuy may well have succeeded in creating a future classic of the genre. | 5/5 JAZZTHETIK, Germany (Nov 2008)
This is an absolute gem of an album that will draw you in from the very first listen | Bradford Telegraph (Dec 2008)
A discovery, His guitar playing with classical touches and Zulu melodies and his thrilling airy voice is Folk Rock from out of this world | Le Monde, France (Aug 2008)
Elegantly composed guitar work set against an African backdrop | 4/5 The Star, South Africa (Oct 2008)
Without a doubt one of the albums of the year | 4/5 Die Beeld, South Africa (Oct 2008)