“World Music that takes you places!” So says globe-trotting flutist and composer Wouter Kellerman, whom received a 2015 Grammy Award for his album Winds of Samsara collaboration with Indian composer and producer Ricky Kej.
The celebrated South African musician recently won 3 South African Music Awards in 2015, adding to his previous wins in 2010 and 2011 reinforcing his status as one of South Africa’s foremost flautist, producer and composer.
The 54-year-old musician is set to bring his unique blend of World Music to the oldest jazz festival in South Africa – Joy Of Jazz on Friday, 16th of September at the Conga Stage.
Ahead of Joy Of Jazz, in a Capital Lifestyle exclusive, we get to know Kellerman a little better.
#10Questions
What is your screensaver on your phone?
A photo of my family. We’re a very close knit family.
What is your most treasured possession?
My gold Nagahara flute! I go nowhere without it.
If today was your last day how would you live?
I would spend it with family and loved ones. I love being active so we would probably play some table tennis, go for a walk, and do some dancing at the end of the evening!
What do you want to say to your parents?
Just thank you. They’ve been amazing and have encouraged me all these years to focus on the important things in life.
What keeps you awake at night?
Not much! I sleep very well! Number one culprit would be mosquitoes.
How would you like to be remembered?
Kind and generous person.
How well do you fee jazz music has been received in Africa?
Jazz is recieved very well in Africa. People here love to listen with their heart; so they like music that comes from the heart – and that’s the kind of music I love to make!
What is the future of World Music in Africa?
It’s such beautiful music and people really react and respond to it. There’s just some promotion, marketing and business know-how needed to make World Music live up to its potential in Africa.
What do we expect from you at the Joy of Jazz?
We’ll be playing music with a strong African spirit, World and Roots music…but with influences from all over the world. It’s really World Music that takes you places!
What’s your favourite destination in South Africa?
The Garden Route, which is the coastal belt along the southern part of South Africa. It’s very beautiful, peaceful little towns. Beautiful beaches and people!