Wouter Kellerman receives a 3rd Grammy Award

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

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