"Proud of You": Pretoria Teacher Contributes to Grammy-Winning Album, Inspiring Young Musicians

• A South African teacher achieved global recognition as a contributing composer on a Grammy Award-winning album
• His journey from performer to educator showed the power of resilience, inspiring young musicians
• The recognition made headlines as many celebrated the achievement, calling it a reminder of the world-class talent

South Africans proudly celebrated a Pretoria teacher’s contribution to a Grammy-winning project, which inspired young musicians and showcased the global impact of local talent.

Reddford House The Hills in Pretoria has every reason to celebrate after one of its own educators, Monde Msutwana, earned international recognition as a contributing composer on a Grammy Award-winning project. Monde, a respected music teacher at the school, is credited on the album Alkebulan II by US artist MattB featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which won Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. While he did not receive a Grammy statuette himself, his creative contribution forms part of the award-winning work, placing him among globally respected composers and musicians.

Read also

"Rugby ending wasn’t the end of my purpose": Former Bulls player becomes award-winning entrepreneur

Monde’s journey to this milestone has been defined by resilience and a lifelong love for music. His passion began in high school, where he first performed in a talent show, and grew stronger when he became a finalist on Idols SA in 2012. That platform launched him into a multifaceted career as a performer, producer, composer, and marketing executive in the music industry. Over the years, he collaborated with some of South Africa’s most iconic artists, including Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela, Lira, and Judith Sephuma. Internationally, he has worked alongside Grammy-winning US artist MattB, and his contributions to the hit television series 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 experience to guide and mentor students. His teaching goes beyond vocal performance, extending into composition, production, and preparing young artists for the realities of the professional music industry. He leads the school’s Glee Club, which he proudly describes as a talented group of young women growing in skill and confidence. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand the ensemble, welcome more male vocalists, and take on increasingly challenging arrangements; with the possibility of performing alongside his students on professional stages.

The Reddford community has rallied behind Monde’s Grammy recognition, with colleagues, students, and parents celebrating his achievement. He remains busy with upcoming projects, including voice work for Netflix, performances with the Sophiatown Jazz Orchestra, and original music releases. Recently, he also featured in Disney’s Lion King anniversary show alongside world-renowned composer Lebo M. To young aspiring musicians, Monde’s message is simple yet powerful: stay true to yourself, be resilient, and never stop creating.

Read also

Inside Akani Simbine’s life: Marriage, family and fatherhood

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.

Source: Briefly News