Wouter Kellerman on music success and finding purpose in his 40s
Three-time Grammy Award-winning flautist Wouter Kellerman spoke to East Coast Radio about leaving the corporate world in his 40s to pursue music full-time. He reflects on taking a leap of faith, finding his purpose, and the journey that led to global success.
South African flautist Wouter Kellerman has been putting African music on the global map. The three-time Grammy Award-winning flautist, producer, and composer has had a passion for music since he was a young boy.
Speaking to East Coast Radio's Sam Cele, Kellerman revealed that he started playing the flute at the age of 10. Although he did not initially pursue music as a career, his love for the instrument never faded.
“I played the flute from when I was 10 years old, but I took a long detour in engineering and only started my full-time music career at the age of 44,” he tells Sam.
It was only after building enough financial security, that he decided to pursue music full-time. Thankfully, he took that leap of faith, because today, Kellerman is celebrated around the world for his music. He has collaborated with several artists to create work that inspires, uplifts and spiritually connects with audiences.
Kellerman also reflected on some of the collaborations that are particularly meaningful to him, including working with musicians David Arkenstone and Mbuso Khoza on the single, 'Ungana'.
Speaking about the song, he explained that the title means “united” in Swahili.
"We live in such divided times all over the world, and we felt it's a time to stand together and be together."
The song incorporates traditional Zulu chants that date back hundreds of years.
Kellerman shared that he specifically wanted a spiritual chant for the track and immediately knew Mbuso Khoza was the right person for the job, having worked with him before.
He also highlighted how technology has transformed the way musicians collaborate. While recording 'Ungana', David was in the United States, Mbuso was in South Africa, and he was in Australia. Despite being on three different continents, they were able to create the song together through modern technology.
Kellerman also encouraged fellow musicians not to measure themselves against others.
“The pressure is all for myself because I have my internal clock.”
His story is proof that purpose has no expiry date. With dedication, consistency and faith in your craft, it’s never too late to pursue the dream that has been calling you all along.
Listen to the full interview in the podcast below:
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