Mzansi (Kellerman Music, 2013)
On his new album Mzansi, South African flute virtuoso Wouter Kellerman presents a collection of traditional and original pieces that bring together various musical influences, ranging from South African and West African folk music to Celtic melodies, reggae and pop.
“Mzansi represents the voices of my influences — African and otherwise,” indicates Kellerman. “Being influenced by different styles and cultures, and working with musicians who bring their own energy to the project, make this a very varied album — from traditional Senegalese songs to Celtic and South African influences. The last few years have been filled with inspiring collaborations. I have really been happy to work with different and very talented musicians and singers.”
The musicians on Mzansi use various traditional and less conventional techniques such as vocal percussion, beat-box flute-playing, and mesmerizing water percussion. Kellerman also added an African children’s choir to the mix. The lineup on Mzansi includes Kellerman (flutes); Erik Paliani (guitar), Juan-Pierre Oosthuizen (guitar), Paul Carlos (guitar), Lamine Sonko (guitar) and Mauritz Lotz (guitar); Sibusiso Victor Masondo (bass) and Schalk Joubert (bass); Melissa van der Spuy (piano) and Wessel van Rensburg (piano); Barry van Zyl (drums), Kevin Gibson (drums) and David Klassen (drums); Godfrey Mgcina (percussion), Tlale Makhene (percussion) and Ady Thioune (percussion); and Mfaniseni Ntlama (vocals), Eunice Harris (vocals), Lamine Sonko (vocals), Jolette Odendaal (vocals), and David Matamela (vocals) . The vocalists on the album sing in various African languages and also perform wordless vocals.
“When I collaborate with someone, I try to adapt to what they are doing musically and get out of my comfort zone which allows for really interesting discoveries,” says Kellerman.
Besides Mzansi, Kellerman also has released the albums Colour, Two Voices, Half Moon and Timeless.
Mzansi showcases the passionate cross-cultural, upbeat music of Wouter Kellerman, one of the leading flute players in South Africa.
Buy Mzansi
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
