In a powerful affirmation of tenacity, Tholsi Pillay — the quiet force behind some of South Africa’s biggest global music achievements — has been winning major accolades in recent months.
Among them are the Champion of Entertainment Promotion award at the 2025 Forbes Woman Africa Awards in Pretoria March, and Artist Manager of the Year at the Basadi in Music Awards held earlier this month at the Joburg Theatre.
For two decades, Johannesburg-based Pillay has worked tirelessly behind the curtain. As co-owner of Kellerman Music, she has shepherded the career of three-time Grammy Award-winning flautist, composer and producer Wouter Kellerman — transforming independent ambition into five Grammy nominations, three No 1 albums on the Billboard charts, and nine Samas (South African Music Awards) out of 13 total nominations.
At the Basadi Vanguard Awards last weekend, Pillay offered words of encouragement to those interested in pursuing artist management.
To every young woman out there, you don’t need permission to dream big or take up space. You already belong in every room, on every stage and at every table. Let your courage be louder than your fear and let your kindness guide you, even when the world feels unkind
— Tholsi Pillay
“To every young woman out there, you don’t need permission to dream big or take up space,” she said. “You already belong in every room, on every stage and at every table. Let your courage be louder than your fear and let your kindness guide you, even when the world feels unkind.”
Born and raised in the Queensburgh suburb of Shallcross in KwaZulu-Natal, Pillay’s early life was shaped by her parents, Ruthie and Vigee Mudaly. Her father worked in maintenance, her mother at a framing company, and education for Pillay and her sisters came through remote study.
“Shallcross is a small, tight-knit community south of Durban, where music and togetherness were part of daily life. My parents came from humble beginnings and worked incredibly hard to provide for our family,” Pillay told the Sunday Times.
“Due to financial constraints, my sisters and I worked while studying via correspondence. I pursued human resources, later training in mediation and labour relations, before joining the bargaining council for the iron and steel industry.
“Music was always part of my life — from temple services to school music classes and growing up watching my mother sing while she worked, and my mom and uncles and aunts singing at events and functions. But it wasn’t until I met Wouter [Kellerman] over 30 years ago that it became my career path.
“What began as a casual friendship transformed when I heard his unique music, and I encouraged him to follow his heart. So, in 2006, I took a sabbatical from my corporate job for a year and committed to managing his career full time — and the rest is history.”
Pillay is now in the studio, working out Kellerman’s new music collaborations, videos and performances for his upcoming new album, which blends powerful storytelling with global sounds.
She is also working on mentoring and developing the next generation of women managers and creatives. “I want to continue helping South African talent reach international stages and ensure we keep building a more inclusive, sustainable music ecosystem — one that values both artistry and humanity.
“Choose purpose over perfection,” she says. “Lead with heart. Trust your instincts. And most important, know that your story matters. You’re not just the future — you’re the now.”
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