South African flautist, Khanyisile Mthetwa has been inducted into the Recording Academy. This is not just an outstanding achievement for Mthetwa but for South Africa, as well as the continent, as a whole.
Being inducted into the Academy means that Mthetwa can now also be considered for future Grammy Awards, once she produces new music.
“It’s a great moment to represent my country – and for me personally.”
But Mthetwa isn’t new to prestigious moments in her music career. Back in 2019, she became the first African to receive the Myrna Brown International Scholarship, an award granted by the National Flute Association of America – the largest flute organisation in the world, with around 5 000 members from more than 50 countries.
In 2010, she shared the stage with Andrea Bocelli and Andrea Griminelli at the World Cup.
Post-matric, Mthetwa furthered her musical education at the University of Pretoria and went on to spend two years in Italy and an additional year in France, further pursuing her passion for the flute.
Her appointment into the Recording Academy comes just a few months after the Grammys announced the addition of categories, including African Music Performance, which will now recognise genres like Amapiano.
Thanks to the contributions of African artists like Wizkid, Tems and Burna Boy, and now Khanyisile Mthetwa, the African continent is finally being recognized for its rich musical repertoire.
Compiled by: Marian Volkwyn
