Photo of Staff Bona

Wouter Kellerman receives a 3rd Grammy Award

2y By Staff Bona

South African flautist, Wouter Kellerman, made history when he became the first South African to win three Grammy Awards.

Wouter won his first Grammy in 2015 for ‘Best New Age Album’ for Winds of Samsara. He followed that up with another win in 2022 for ‘Best Global Musi Performance’ for Bayethe, which he won with Nomcebo Zikode and Zakes Bantwini.

The 2025 Grammys was another success for Wouter as he walked away with ‘Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album’ alongside Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto and Indian vocallist, Chandrika Tandon.

Wouter, Eru and Chandrika were up on stage to receive the award and he had some pleasant words for his co-winners following the win.

This is a testament to the fact that music has the power to unite and heal. Wouter said on stage while accepting the award. Thank you Chandrika, thank you Eru, all the musicians who were on the album. Big thank you to Tholsi Pillay, my best friend and business partner, and then, most importantly, to all of you. Music connects, and I am very grateful to share this moment with you,” he said.

According to TimesLIVE, Deputy Minister of arts and Culture Bertha Peace Mabe watched Wouter win the Grammy in Los Angeles.

“Congratulations to our amazing South African musicians. Our artists continue to make waves on the global stage, with 12 SA musicians [cumulatively] winning a total of 32 Grammy Awards,” Bertha said.

This list include Zikode and Bantwini on Wouter’s 2nd win, as well as the Soweto Gospel Choir, Black C0ffee, Miriam Makeba and Tyla.

“South Africa’s music scene continues to gain international recognition, blending rich traditional sounds with modern genres such as Amapiano, Afropop, and house music,” Bertha added.

According to News24, Wouter said he has known Eru Matsumoto and Chandrika Tandon for many years and has always admired them.

“Eru’s mastery of the cello and her emotional depth bring such richness to the music, while Chandrika’s soulful voice and profound spiritual connection anchor the compositions,” Wouter said.

 

First published by African Insider

Compiled by Matthew Petersen

Also see: Basetsana Kumalo’s Birthday Confusion: Fans puzzled by 45th Bash invite after 50th party

 

WORK & MONEY

5 Ways to create financial heritage for the next generation

On Heritage Day, the fire gets lit, the meat goes on, and the family gathers. Recipes get passed down, along with languages, stories and strong opinions about the Boks. Money usually does not enter the chat. Also see: How your emotions are quietly wrecking your finances “We tend to think of heritage as what we inherit,” […]

Read more...
LIFESTYLE

RentaKleen: Cape Town woman leaves stable job to start thriving deep-cleaning business with wife

After leaving the media space in 2024, Cape Town-based entrepreneur Ashleigh Johnson made an unlikely career pivot: starting a deep-cleaning service, RentaKleen. While her wife, CJ, had her doubts, the former visual merchandiser joined Ashleigh, helping make RentaKleen a sweeping success. Also see: Spring cleaning checklist: What to tackle room by room From glamour to grime… […]

Read more...
CELEBRITIES

Heritage Day: Local celebrities share what they love most about South Africa

From its incredible diversity of cultures and languages to its breathtaking natural landscapes and seriously good food, South Africa is a country with plenty to celebrate this Heritage Day. Also see: Thebe Magugu and Woolworths join forces for Heritage Day As South Africans celebrate Heritage Day, local personalities Carol Ofori and Wiseman Mncube are sharing some […]

Read more...