Deo Salvator - Solo Acoustic Guitar Player

Top Performer

Nashville, TN

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Travels up to 200 miles

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Overview

I play fingerstyle guitar that mixes African roots with a modern touch. My shows feel warm and personal, giving every event a sound that’s unique but easy for anyone to connect with.


Reviews

1 review

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Kellee H.

Kellee H.

May 4, 2026
Verified review

Fantastic

Highest recommendation! Deo was prompt, professional and so talented…not to mention gracious!

Hired as: Guitarist

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili

Gig length: 5 - 180 minutes

What to expect

I enjoy creating the kind of atmosphere where people can slow down, have conversations, and still feel that the music is part of the experience.

Most of my performances are instrumental, blending original music with carefully chosen acoustic arrangements. The set changes depending on the event. Sometimes the music sits gently in the background during a reception or dinner. Other times it becomes something people stop to listen to.

For events looking for a stronger folk or country feel, I also perform as an acoustic duo with another guitarist or singer, giving you a wider range of music while keeping the performance natural and relaxed.

I keep the process simple. I'll communicate with you before the event, arrive early, and bring professional sound equipment whenever it's needed. If your venue doesn't have a PA system, I can provide speakers, microphones, and basic lighting for smaller events.

Every event has its own pace. My job is to understand that and play music that belongs in the room.

About

Deo Salvator Iratwumva is a Rwandan fingerstyle guitarist and composer based in Nashville. His work explores the intersection of music and life, drawing from African string traditions, personal history, and contemporary acoustic guitar. He is also the founder of the Fingerpickers in Africa initiative.

Additional booking notes

For most events, I can provide everything needed for a professional performance.

If your venue does not have a sound system, I can bring:

Professional PA speakers
Vocal microphone
Microphone stands
DI box
Basic event lighting for smaller venues

If the venue already has a PA system, I simply need the following:

One XLR input or DI connection for my guitar
One vocal microphone
One armless chair or stool
Access to power near the performance area

For larger venues, festivals, or concert halls, I appreciate a monitor speaker and a sound engineer if available.

Outdoor performances are welcome as long as the performance area is protected from rain and direct weather.

I arrive early for setup and soundcheck, and I'm happy to coordinate with your venue or event staff ahead of time to make everything run smoothly.

Services offered

Past booked events

July 2026

15

Wednesday

Cocktail Party

6:00pm - 8:30pm

Nashville, TN

May 2026

03

Sunday

Cocktail Party

5:00pm - 6:00pm

Franklin, TN

February 2026

21

Saturday

Personal Occasion

7:00pm - 8:30pm

Nashville, TN

18

Wednesday

Personal Occasion

7:00pm - 7:15pm

Nashville, TN

14

Saturday

Dinner Party

1:00pm - 2:30pm

Nolensville, TN

Set list

My performances are built primarily around my original instrumental compositions for solo acoustic guitar.

Depending on the event, I may also include a selection of acoustic folk and fingerstyle arrangements that fit the atmosphere. Every set is tailored to the audience, whether it's background music for a reception or a focused concert performance.

Influences and inspiration

Tommy Emmanuel has been my biggest musical influence. His approach to fingerstyle guitar, melody, rhythm, and performance inspired me to take the instrument seriously and continues to shape the way I play today.

The Inanga, Rwanda's traditional string instrument, is part of my heritage. While I grew up knowing its sound, my appreciation for it deepened through years of working with Inanga players, learning from them, and exploring how its melodies and techniques could be expressed on the acoustic guitar.

I'm also inspired by guitarists such as Derek Gripper, Thomas Leeb, Andy McKee, Don Ross, Michael Hedges, and Sungha Jung. Together with traditional African music and folk traditions, these influences continue to shape my original compositions and performances.

Setup requirements

Armless Chair or Stool

Electrical Outlet (within 10–15 ft of performance area)

Shade or Covered Performance Area (for outdoor events)

One XLR Input or DI Connection (if using venue sound system)

One Vocal Microphone and Boom Stand (if using venue sound system)

Floor Monitor (preferred for larger events)

Small Table (optional, for accessories and water)

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