Tholsi Pillay, artist manager behind three-time GRAMMY winner Wouter Kellerman, walked away with the well-deserved title of Artist Manager of the Year at the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards. Her win is a celebration of every dream built behind the curtain.
Johannesburg, South Africa (05 August 2025) – This year’s Basadi in Music Awards, now in its fourth run, took place at the Joburg Theatre over the weekend. It celebrated the powerful spirit and flow women bring to local entertainment and business.
The event spotlighted incredible ladies carrying the industry in South Africa. Going home with gold, Portia Mngomezulu took the Mosadi in Business Award for her journey with Portia M Skin Solutions and Bongi Mlotswa, South Africa’s legendary makeup artist, was honoured as Trailblazer of the Year.
In the entertainment world, Laconco was crowned Podcaster of the Year, Luthando Shosha (known as Lootlove) took her title as Entertainment Radio Presenter of the Year, and Zanele Potelwa was awarded Music TV Show Presenter of the Year.
Amongst the dazzling winners who stood as tall as their trophies, was one woman who has been helping others shine for decades.
Tholsi Pillay’s name might not be on the posters, but her impact is written all over some of the biggest moments in South African music. Managing Wouter Kellerman’s GRAMMY-winning career, supporting the rise of choirs like Ndlovu Youth and Mzansi Youth on America’s Got Talent, and playing a key role in bringing Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode’s talents to global stages, Tholsi has spent years behind the curtain, making real magic happen.
“I am super grateful and incredibly blessed to be the 2025 Basadi in Music Awards ‘Artist Manager of the Year’ winner,” she shared. “This recognition is not just a personal milestone — it’s a celebration of every hardworking, passionate individual working behind the scenes to bring artistry and vision to life.”
Tholsi looked every bit the star she is in a Gert-Johan Coetzee creation, the same South African designer who has dressed her for the Grammys, Forbes events and now the Basadi Awards, as well as her red carpet moment alongside Wouter Kellerman at this year’s Grammy win.
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Born in Shallcross, Durban, her journey started far from the red carpet. Tholsi began her career in human resources. It wasn’t until she heard Kellerman’s music and believed in his vision that she made a bold call and left her corporate job, deciding to help build something extraordinary.
“When I met Wouter over 30 years ago, he told me he was a flute player. At the time, I thought, ‘Been there, done it and got the t-shirt! I’m never going to listen to your music’ and yet, here I am, 30 years later,” jokes Tholsi, who is now one of Kellerman’s greatest admirers.
“When I finally heard [his] compositions, I was amazed – it was nothing like I had expected. I encouraged him to follow his heart and record an album,” she adds.
And extraordinary it became. Together they have conquered GRAMMYs. Billboard charts. Carnegie Hall. Over two decades, they’ve built a global career with a whole lot of heart.
“Early in my career, I often felt overlooked or underestimated – especially because we weren’t backed by a major label,” she recalls. “But I leaned into my strengths: strategic thinking, people skills, relentless work ethic and a passion for empowering others.”
Tholsi has co-produced and directed music videos, mentored young creatives, and helped South African music resonate on international stages. But even as the spotlight finally turns her way, her focus is fixed on the work ahead.
“We’re working on a new album, more collaborations and performances all with the same mission of spreading love and positivity through music,” she says.
She also has a message for young girls, especially during Women’s Month:
“Believe in yourself. You are stronger, more capable and more powerful than you know. Your dreams are valid and your voice matters.”
Tholsi’s win is all about showing others that the person behind the stage lights matters just as much as the one standing in them.
Sources: Supplied & linked above.
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