Wouter Kellerman and Makhadzi deliver pure magic with ‘Drum in My Heart’

Multi-Grammy Award winner Wouter Kellerman and the unstoppable Makhadzi unite for “Drum in My Heart,” a groundbreaking African-Indian fusion anthem celebrating unity, community, and pure rhythm!

By Zuko Komisa

Kaya 959 family, get ready to add an absolute masterpiece to your playlist. When South African musical royalty meets global boundary pushing production, magic is bound to happen.

That is precisely what has unfolded with “Drum in My Heart,” an electrifying new track that brings together multi-Grammy Award-winning flautist, producer, and composer Wouter Kellerman and the unstoppable powerhouse that is Makhadzi.

Kellerman, a celebrated three-time Grammy winner known for his brilliant cross-cultural collaborations (including his unforgettable work on the global smash “Bayethe”), has done it again.

This time, he has teamed up with our very own Limpopo Queen to fuse infectious Indian Bhangra rhythms with high-energy African soul, creating a soundscape that is as uplifting as it is danceable.

We sat down with Wouter Kellerman to dive deep into the studio chemistry, the universal language of rhythm, and what it was like creating this cross-continental celebration.

The Q&A: Inside “Drum in My Heart”

How did this collaboration with Makhadzi come to life, and what was it like fusing African rhythms with Indian musical elements on “Drum in My Heart”?

Wouter Kellerman: For a long time I’ve had this theory that many of the beats we associate with particular styles of music are actually more universal than we think. So I took an Indian Bhangra beat and decided to add some African flavour through the production and vocals — and see what kind of reception it gets. I could think of no better person than Makhadzi to join forces with, and she was incredible to work with.

How do the themes of community, family and togetherness resonate with your personal musical journey?

Wouter Kellerman: Since the start of my career, my aim has been to spread good energy through music and to build bridges between people. Family and community are such an important part of that sense of connection and belonging, so this song fits perfectly into the bigger arc of my musical journey.

What was one of your favourite moments working alongside Makhadzi?

Wouter Kellerman: When I first sent the music to Makhadzi, I was a little concerned because it was very different from the music she usually makes. But she was incredibly open to these ideas, and also impressively versatile. It was beautiful to see her make the song her own and put so much heart, soul and passion into it.

A global sound with local soul

“Drum in My Heart” is more than just a cross-genre experiment; it is a masterclass in musical unity. By weaving together the rhythmic bounce of Bhangra with rich vocal storytelling in Tshivenda and English, Kellerman and Makhadzi have gifted us a timeless anthem celebrating community, family, and pure joy.