From Soweto to the biggest leagues! Khanyisile Mthetwa’s membership into the Recording Academy (Grammy Academy) means even bigger things for the musician’s future, while giving Africa another voting voice.
Global (09 August, 2023) — Whenever celebrities, artists and actors thank ‘The Academy’ in grand acceptance speeches, most audiences’ first line of call isn’t to investigate who said Academy actually is. (Unless, of course, your favourite artist was snubbed).
Well, if there’s anyone in a pretty important Academy that you should know, it’s Soweto-born flautist Khanyisile Mthetwa.
Mthetwa recently made big news as a newly inducted member of THE Recording Academy (The Grammys, baby!) and South Africans are singing her praises.
Mthetwa’s membership means that there is a greater African female presence among the decision-makers. Ie: the people who can submit artists and work for Award consideration and of course, vote for Award winners.
Per The Citizen, Mthetwa shared:
“The Grammys are such a peer reviewed process, where you have musicians listening to other musicians. This [induction] means I’ll be listening and experiencing what happens on a global level.
“It’s a great moment to represent my country – and for me personally.”
Grammy-winning South African Wouter Kellerman recommended Mthetwa to be part of the Recording Academy, and with her own success as a multi-award-winning flautist and position as one of the leading virtuoso instrumentalists on the continent, she was a shoo-in.
Beyond this shining notch on her belt, she has many others too. Mthetwa has also won two SAMAs, the 2019 Mbokodo Award for opera/classical music and serves as the principal flautist for the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (which is in and of itself, a testament to her craft).
We can’t wait for her work to travel across the world and pave the future for more African musicians.