Wouter Kellerman: A Historic Grammy Hat-Trick
South African flautist and composer Wouter Kellerman has once again cemented his status as a global music icon, securing his third Grammy Award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on 2 February 2025.
His latest triumph, for the collaborative album Triveni, adds to a career defined by cultural fusion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to music as a force for unity. From humble beginnings in eMalahleni to Grammy glory, Kellerman’s journey embodies the spirit of South African creativity and resilience.
A Historic Hat-Trick
Kellerman’s album Triveni – a collaboration with Indian vocalist Chandrika Tandon and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto – won Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.
Described as a “healing musical experience”, the project blends South African, Indian, and Japanese influences to create meditative soundscapes. In his acceptance speech, Kellerman emphasised music’s unifying power: “This is testament to the fact that music has the power to unite and to heal”.
This victory marks Kellerman’s third Grammy:
- 2015: Winds of Samsara (Best New Age Album) with Ricky Kej.
- 2023: Bayethe (Best Global Music Performance) with Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode.
- 2025: Triveni (Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album).
From Mining Engineer to Maestro
Kellerman’s path to stardom was unconventional. After studying electrical engineering, he worked in Anglo American’s eMalahleni coal mines.
However, his passion for the flute never wavered. He balanced mining shifts with performances in orchestras like the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra, eventually leaving engineering to pursue music full-time.
Despite early rejections from major labels, his debut album Colour (2007) launched a career that now includes:
- 11 albums, blending classical, jazz, and world music.
- 9 South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and an honorary doctorate.
- A historic performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony
South African Pride on the Global Stag
Kellerman’s Grammy wins have sparked national pride.
Dressed in a bespoke suit by South African designer Gert-Johan Coetzee, he dedicated his latest award to “all the musicians on the album and everyone who believes in music’s healing power”.
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie praised Kellerman’s achievements as inspiration for local artists: “His dedication to blending cultures through music is a source of immense pride for South Africa”
The Sound of Unity
Triveni – named after the Sanskrit word for “confluence” – reflects Kellerman’s lifelong mission to bridge cultural divides.
The album’s ethereal flute melodies, combined with Tandon’s vocals and Matsumoto’s cello, have been hailed as “transformative” and “evocative”.
Fans and critics alike celebrate its timing, offering solace in a world grappling with conflict and environmental crises.
What's Next for Kellerman?
With five Grammy nominations and 13 SAMA nods under his belt, Kellerman shows no signs of slowing down.
His journey from Witbank’s coal trains to Hollywood’s red carpets serves as a powerful reminder: South African talent, when nurtured, can shine brightly on the world stage.
As radio host Anele Mdoda quipped, “He’s the hardest-working flautist in the business”.
