South African flautist Wouter Kellerman, alongside Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto and Indian vocalist Chandrika Tandon, has clinched the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album with their collaborative work, Triveni. The accolade was announced during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on Sunday night in Los Angeles.
This achievement marks Kellerman’s third Grammy win. He previously secured awards in 2015 for Winds of Samsara, a collaboration with Indian composer Ricky Kej, and in 2023 for the track “Bayethe” with South African artists Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode.
Triveni brings together the diverse musical backgrounds of its creators, blending Kellerman’s expressive flute melodies with Matsumoto’s emotive cello harmonies and Tandon’s soulful vocals. The album’s title, derived from the Sanskrit word for “confluence,” symbolizes the harmonious merging of their distinct artistic styles.
In his acceptance speech, Kellerman emphasized the unifying power of music, stating, “Thank you so much, this is amazing; this is a testament that music has the power to unite and heal. A big thanks to all the musicians on the album.”
The 2025 Grammy Awards celebrated a diverse array of musical talents, with notable wins including Kendrick Lamar’s five awards, among them Record and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us,” and Beyoncé’s Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter.
Kellerman’s latest Grammy win further solidifies his position as a leading figure in the world music scene, showcasing his dedication to cross-cultural collaborations and innovative musical expressions.
