"Proud of You Ntwana": Pretoria Teacher Wins a Grammy, Inspires a New Generation of Young Musicians
- A South African teacher achieved global recognition by winning a Grammy Award, a milestone that highlighted both his talent and dedication to music education
- His journey from performer to educator showed the power of resilience, inspiring young musicians and bringing pride to the Pretoria school community
- The Grammy win quickly trended online as South Africans celebrated the achievement, calling it a reminder of the world-class talent nurtured at home
South Africans proudly celebrated a Pretoria teacher’s Grammy win, which inspired young musicians and showcased the global impact of local talent.
Source: Getty Images
Reddford House The Hills in Pretoria has every reason to celebrate after one of its own educators, Monde Msutwana, won a Grammy Award, one of the highest honours in the global music industry. Monde, a respected music teacher at the school, contributed to the Grammy-winning album Alkebulan II by US artist MattB featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which took home the award for Best Global Music Album. His achievement placed him among internationally acclaimed musicians and composers, a recognition he describes as both deeply personal and professionally transformative.
Monde’s journey to this moment was filled with resilience and a lifelong passion for music. His love for performance began in high school, where he first took to the stage at a talent show. He later became a finalist on Idols SA in 2012, a platform that helped launch his career as a performer, producer, composer, and even a marketing executive in the music world. Over the years, he collaborated with iconic South African artists including Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela, Lira, and Judith Sephuma. Internationally, he worked with Grammy-winning US artist MattB, while his contributions to the celebrated TV show The River earned him a SAFTA award in 2024.
Teacher inspires the next generation
Now teaching at Reddford House The Hills, part of the Inspired Education Group, Monde uses his wealth of experience to guide and mentor students. He focuses not only on vocal performance but also on composition, production, and navigating the realities of the professional music industry. He leads the school’s Glee Club, which he proudly describes as a dynamic group of young women who continue to grow in talent and confidence. His goal is to expand the ensemble, bring in more male vocalists, and develop increasingly complex arrangements, with the possibility of sharing the stage with them in professional performances.
The Reddford community has rallied behind his Grammy success, with students and colleagues alike celebrating his achievement. Monde himself continues to stay busy with upcoming projects, including voice work for Netflix, performances with the Sophiatown Jazz Orchestra, and original music releases. He recently joined Disney’s Lion King anniversary show alongside world-renowned composer Lebo M. To young aspiring musicians, his message remains simple but powerful: stay unique, be resilient, and never stop creating.
Reddford House The Hills has expressed immense pride in his achievement, with Inspired Africa’s CEO, Ravi Nadasen, describing Monde’s journey as proof that purpose, persistence, and passion can nurture world-class talent right here at home.
Check out the reactions
Svetoslav Bulatov said:
"Congratulations! Matla Matleng! Modimo o Lerato! Keep rocking the world!"
Brendan Jury wrote:
"I am inspired by you and your talent, Mr M thank you for sharing your musical genius and sublime voice. I am honoured to work with you, thank you."
Gemma Costa added:
"Well-deserved, congratulations."
Lucia Mandu Maine-Mathipa wrote:
"I trust you, my friend, congratulations."
Kiara Batten said:
"Absolutely amazing! Well done, Monde! I still think back to our Greendale days, performing “in the summertime” and dancing on stage - fun times, and look how far you’ve come!! Well deserved, my friend!"
Check out the Facebook post below:
3 other Briefly News stories about the Grammy Awards
- South African Grammy-award-winning singer Tyla recently hung out with the South African artist Ciza.
- Grammy award-winning musician Nomcebo Zikode allegedly owes Open Mic Productions millions of rands in legal fees.
- Kenya is one of the African countries that has paid millions to host the first-ever African Grammy Awards.
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Source: Briefly News
