Acclaimed South African flutist and composer Wouter Kellerman has won his third Grammy Award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for his album "Triveni", powerful collaboration with Indian vocalist Chandrika Tandon and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. Picture: Supplied
Image: Supplied
Celebrated South African award-winning musician Wouter Kellerman at the 67th Grammy Awards won his third award from the prestigious Hollywood awards, in the category of Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album.
He tells IOL entertainment this year's win feels absolutely surreal and deeply meaningful. " 'Triveni' is an album rooted in healing and spiritual connection, and seeing it recognized at this level is incredibly rewarding.
"The collaboration between South African, Indian, and Japanese musical traditions made it a truly unique project and I'm especially grateful for the journey with Chandrika Tandon and Eru Masumoto.
The album "Triveni" is a powerful collaboration with Indian vocalist Tandon and Japanese cellist Matsumoto, it seamlessly blends elements of new age, chant and world music to create a transcendent experience for listeners. Japan, India and South Africa, a true cultural collaboration driven by the shared vision of creating music that uplifts and heals.
The album has garnered critical acclaim for its evocative soundscapes, which blend Kellerman’s distinctive flute playing with Tandon’s soothing vocals and Matsumoto’s emotive cello performance.
"We each brought our own influences and cultural backgrounds, but what united us was our focus on positive energy. The blending of South African, Indian, and Japanese elements was both a challenge and an incredible creative journey, allowing us to craft something truly special," said Kellerman.
Kellerman won a Grammy in 2023 for his powerful song "Bayethe" featuring Nomcebo Zikode and Zakes Bantwini and in 2015 for "Winds of Samsara". A five-time Grammy nominee, Kellerman is familiar with the stringent nature of the Grammys.
He admits that the process remains as rigorous as ever which is what makes winning the award meaningful. "The competition is always strong, and this year there was a particularly strong field - our fellow nominees are all incredible musicians!"
For the New Age category there are reviewing sessions are held with more than 350 experts to ensure that entered recordings meet specific qualifications. The purpose of screenings is not to make artistic or technical judgments about the recordings but to ensure that each entry is eligible and placed in its proper category.
Kellerman says that the experience has taught him the importance of authenticity, quality, and storytelling in music, and also the importance of making sure the music gets out there and is being heard.
"It’s always an honour to have a project recognized in this way," he added.
In November 2024, Kellerman, a graduate of electoral engineering from the Rand Afrikaans University now called the University of Johannesburg, received the Alumni Diginas Award. In the same month, he also received an Honorary Doctorate from the Tshwane University of Technology.
There have been moments when the flute wasn’t front and center such as when he worked as a mining electrical engineer for the American coal mines at eMalahleni and when he held a steady job to care for his family. “My love for music never fades, even in quieter moments,” shared Kellerman.
“I draw inspiration from roots music across different cultures—it’s a reminder of our shared history and deep connection as humans.
“Even when I’m not actively creating, I’m always absorbing new sounds, learning, and staying open to new collaborations. The desire to explore and push creative boundaries keeps me moving forward.”
IOL Entertainment