.
For Your Consideration
Best Global Music Performance
D R U M in my H E A R T
Wouter Kellerman x Makhadzi Entertainment
Rooted in Indian Bhangra and alive with African rhythm, “Drum in My Heart” brings together South African GRAMMY®-winning flautist Wouter Kellerman and BET and SAMA award-winning superstar Makhadzi in a joyful meeting of cultures and musical traditions.
Kellerman’s flute weaves through Makhadzi’s unmistakable voice and vibrant energy, bringing Indian influences and African rhythms, vocals and instrumentation into a global celebration of music and dance. Sung in Tshivenda and English, the song honours family, community and the ties that connect us across generations and borders.
“Drum in My Heart” is an invitation to celebrate where we come from and embrace the connections music makes possible - a shared pulse that brings people together, wherever they call home.
Lyrics
Vuwani - vhasathu tshinya mudifho havha Vhana
[Wake up—the children are coming!]
Vuwani - Vhasathu dzadza line havha vhana
[Wake up - Before they queue up]
Vuwani wee - vhasathu tshinya mudifho havha Vhana
[Wake up—the children are coming!]
Habe vhavhuya vhaswika vhado tshinya
Vhadori tshinyela dzi drum DRUM
[When they arrive, they’ll dance to our drums. ]
Drum in my heart, Boom Boom can you feel it
Palms to the sky my body's gonna seal it
Round and round I'm losing all control
Drum in my heart you're shaking up my soul
Drum in my, drum in my
Drum in my, drum in my
Drum in my, drum in my
Drum in my heart you're shaking up my soul
Zwino vhono swika mashaka anga - vhonori tinga ma bouncera
[My relatives have arrived; the place is full and overflowing]
Vhono swika mashaka anga - hukhopfala zvirisei (Zvirisei)
[Everywhere you turn, people are greeting one another: “Zviri sei?”—“How are you?”]
Ono swika mashaka anga - onori tinga ma bouncera
[Everywhere you turn, the place is full and overflowing]
Ono swika mashaka anga - hukhopfala zvirisei (Zvirisei)
[Everywhere you turn, people are greeting one another: “Zviri sei?”—“How are you?”]
Drum in my heart, Boom Boom can you feel it
Palms to the sky my body's gonna seal it
Round and round I'm losing all control
Drum in my heart you're shaking up my soul
Drum in my heart you're shaking up my soul
Trust me you can dance
Don't be shy ahe
Nobody can stay
Young forever
Drum DRUM
Drum in my heart, Boom Boom can you feel it
Palms to the sky my body's gonna seal it
Round and round I'm losing all control
Drum in my heart you're shaking up my soul
Drum in my, drum in my
Drum in my, drum in my
Drum in my, drum in my
Drum in my heart you're shaking up my soul
Drum in my heart you're shaking up my soul
Drum in my heart you're shaking up my soul
WOUTER KELLERMAN
Wouter Kellerman is a three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning flutist, composer, producer, philanthropist and recipient of South Africa’s National Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, one of the country’s highest honours. Renowned for his distinctive ability to bridge cultures through sound, Kellerman seamlessly blends world, classical and contemporary influences into a musical language that transcends borders and connects people from diverse backgrounds. His music has captivated audiences across six continents and established him as one of Africa’s most influential cultural ambassadors.
A five-time GRAMMY nominee, Kellerman first rose to international prominence with Winds of Samsara. The album topped both the US Billboard New Age Chart and the Zone Music Reporter Top 100 International Radio Airplay Chart, earning him his first GRAMMY Award in 2015. He followed this success with Love Language, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Chart and received a GRAMMY nomination. His collaborative album Pangaea was nominated for Best New Age Album in 2021, while Bayethe won the 2023 GRAMMY Award for Best Global Music Performance. In 2025, Triveni, a collaborative album with acclaimed artists from India and Japan, received the GRAMMY Award for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album, making Kellerman the only individual South African artist to have won three GRAMMY Awards.
In May 2026, Kellerman was awarded the 'National Order of Ikhamanga in Gold', one of South Africa’s highest honours bestowed by the President of South Africa in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the arts and his global cultural impact. Earlier that year, he was also named among the '100 Most Reputable Africans'. Additional honours include the 'All Africa Business Leaders Award' for Sports, Arts & Culture, an 'Honorary Doctorate in Art and Design (Honoris Causa)' from Tshwane University of Technology, the 'Alumni Dignitas Award' from the University of Johannesburg, and the 'Cultural Excellence Award' presented by the High Commissioner of India in South Africa for strengthening cultural ties between South Africa and India through music.
With fourteen acclaimed albums and nine South African Music Awards (SAMAs) from thirteen nominations, Kellerman has established himself as one of the world’s leading instrumental artists. His career highlights include three sold-out performances at Carnegie Hall in New York, appearances in major cultural centres including Berlin, Shanghai, Delhi and Sydney and a performance at the FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony that was broadcast to an estimated global audience of 700 million viewers. In 2023, he performed for an exclusive private gathering of just nine guests, including the Presidents of South Africa, China and Brazil, as well as the Prime Minister of India. His growing international influence was further recognised with a cover feature in Forbes Africa.
Beyond the concert stage, Kellerman has devoted more than three decades to philanthropy and community upliftment. Through his long-standing support of SOS Children’s Villages South Africa, he has helped provide housing, education and opportunities for vulnerable children. His humanitarian work earned him a nomination for the Inyathelo Special Recognition Award for Philanthropy.
Kellerman has also played a transformative role in developing young South African talent. His collaboration with the Ndlovu Youth Choir on their acclaimed adaptation of Ed Sheeran’s 'Shape of You' helped introduce the choir to a global audience and contributed to their rise as finalists on America’s Got Talent. He later continued this commitment to mentorship through his work with the Mzansi Youth Choir, who likewise advanced to the finals of the internationally renowned competition. Through these initiatives, Kellerman has helped open doors for a new generation of South African artists to reach audiences around the world.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential cultural ambassadors, Wouter Kellerman continues to use music as a force for connection, collaboration and positive change, bringing together people, traditions and communities across the world.
Makhadzi Entertainment
Makhadzi is an award-winning South African singer, songwriter and performer renowned for her unmistakable voice, electrifying stage presence and celebration of her cultural heritage.
Born and raised in Limpopo, she began performing at a young age and has risen to become one of South Africa’s most prominent contemporary artists. Her achievements include winning the BET Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act Award in 2024, the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for Favourite African Star in 2022, and multiple South African Music Awards (SAMAs) - including Music Video of the Year for “Ghanama” in 2022 and Best Traditional Album for African Queen 2.0 in 2023.
Singing predominantly in Tshivenda, Makhadzi has brought the language and musical traditions of her heritage to audiences across Africa and around the world. Her distinctive fusion of traditional influences and contemporary African dance music, together with her dynamic live performances, has earned her a passionate international following.
Through her music, Makhadzi continues to champion her roots while taking the sounds, language and energy of South Africa to audiences worldwide.
Drum in my Heart - Behind The Scenes
Credits
Composed: Wouter Kellerman, Ndivhudzannyi Decorate Ralivhona and Wessel van Rensburg
Produced: Daniel Baron, Wouter Kellerman and Wessel van Rensburg
Vocal Production: Lynol Siwela (aka Mr. Brown)
Vocals: Makhadzi Entertainment
Flutes: Wouter Kellerman
Programming: Daniel Baron and Wessel van Rensburg
Keyboards and synthesizers: Daniel Baron
Vocals: Makhadzi Entertainment
Flutes: Wouter Kellerman
Programming: Daniel Baron and Wessel van Rensburg
Keyboards and synthesizers: Daniel Baron
Guitar: Daniel Baron
Mixed by Daniel Baron at Hit Kitchen Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa
Mastered by Daniel Baron and Tjaart van der Walt at Hit Kitchen Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa
Flute recorded by Wouter Kellerman at Kellerman Music Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa
Vocals recorded by Lynol Siwela (aka Mr Brown) and Dr Skaro at Makhadzi Entertainment Studios in Johannesburg, South Africa