Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has extended his congratulations to South African flautist, producer and composer Wouter Kellerman on his remarkable achievement at the 67th Grammy Awards. Alongside Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto and Indian vocalist Chandrika Tandon, Kellerman secured the prestigious award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for their album Triveni at the Grammys ceremony held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
This album was inspired by Matsumoto’s vision of creating music with a strong healing intent. The result is a deeply moving composition, where Matsumoto’s rich cello melodies and Tandon’s soulful voice provide a spiritual depth that anchors the work.
Kellerman’s latest Grammy win is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to musical excellence. This marks his third Grammy victory, following his Best New Age Album win in 2015 with Ricky Kej and his Best Global Music Performance win in 2023 alongside Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode. His impressive career also includes five additional Grammy nominations.
Beyond the Grammys, Kellerman has received nine South African Music Awards (SAMAs). His 2015 album, Love Language, earned a Grammy nomination, won a SAMA, topped the World Music Billboard charts and received significant international airplay.
Symphonic Soweto – A Tribute to Nelson Mandela, in collaboration with the Soweto Gospel Choir, beautifully reimagined traditional music, freedom songs and works by South African legends through a symphonic and choral lens. This tribute to Mandela’s centenary earned the 2018 SAMA for Best Adult Contemporary Album, while Soweto Travels, a piece from the album, won the 2017 USA Songwriting Competition for Best Instrumental Composition.
In 2018, his collaboration with the Ndlovu Youth Choir on an African rendition of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You went viral, amassing millions of views and winning the Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Independent Music Video.
His contributions to the arts were further recognised in October 2024 when he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Art and Design by the Tshwane University of Technology.
Minister McKenzie said, “Kellerman’s dedication to his craft and ability to blend cultures through music is a source of immense pride for South Africa. His achievements continue to inspire generations of artists and allow them to believe that they too can achieve global recognition. We celebrate his success and look forward to his continued impact on the world stage.”
For media enquiries:
Ms Stacey-Lee Khojane, Spokesperson: Office of the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: StaceyK@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 77 608 7579
Ms Zimasa Velaphi, Head of Communication and Marketing: Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
Cell: +27 (0) 72 172 8925
