Germiston songwriter blends music and artificial intelligence to tell South African stories

For this passionate South African songwriter, music is more than just sound; it is a way to touch lives, tell stories, and shine light where it is most needed.

Through a unique blend of human creativity and artificial intelligence, Wynand Kaltwasser is using music to turn deeply personal and shared experiences into songs that resonate with listeners far beyond their immediate surroundings.

The artist describes songwriting as an indescribable feeling, one that allows words once trapped on paper to come alive.

ALSO READ: Local artists celebrated in 1st annual awards

“Being able to write songs and touch even just one person per song is the best feeling,” said Kaltwasser, adding that music has the power to bring hope, comfort, and understanding to others.

“As an AI artist, creativity and technology work hand in hand. While artificial intelligence plays a role in shaping the final sound, the heart of the music remains human,” he says.

The former Randfontein resident, now living in Germiston, Marlands, shares the story behind his journey as an artificial intelligence (AI) artist.

“I am passionate about my profession. Writing songs and being able to touch even just one person per song is a feeling that words cannot describe,” he said.

“Emotions, stories, and lived experiences form the foundation, with AI serving as a tool that opens new creative possibilities and pushes artistic boundaries.”

“The inspiration behind the music comes from everyday life, personal experiences, the struggles of people close to the artist, and the broader South African reality.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni musician launches guide to help artists profit from talent

“We all carry heavy stories, but we also carry hope,” said Kaltwasser.

Kaltwasser said AI-generated music has provided an opportunity to express raw emotion, faith, and longing, especially in spaces where traditional resources and opportunities are not always accessible.

“Although music is not a full-time profession, it remains a deep passion. Over the years, the artist has written numerous poems and songs, eventually taking the chance to share them with the world.

One of the standout tracks, Stap in my skoene, has surpassed 100 000 streams on Spotify, with an English version titled “Walk in My Shoes” also released.

ALSO READ:  City of Ekurhuleni empowers artists with social media masterclass

The songs focus on real-life themes such as heartbreak, being overlooked, pain, and resilience, stories many listeners can relate to.

In total, Kaltwasser has released 31 songs on Spotify, with plans to organise the music into full albums in the near future.
“Watch this space,” said Kaltwasser, with excitement.

A lifelong love of music is evident, dating back to childhood memories of standing on chairs in the living room, pretending to perform for a huge audience.

That passion has grown into a platform for delivering a powerful message: no hardship lasts forever, every person is enough, and everyone has a purpose.

Faith also plays a central role in Kaltwasser’s journey. “God created you, perfect in His name. You are worth it, no matter what you go through,” said Kaltwasser.

ALSO READ: Local artists invited to exhibit talent

Looking ahead, the dream extends beyond personal success. Kaltwasser hopes to earn enough through music to give back to the community, particularly children in need.

One envisioned initiative involves visiting schools, collecting letters from children about their needs, and helping to provide essential items to those who need them most.

All photographs accompanying the project were taken by the artist, with no professional photographer involved, another reflection of the journey’s deeply personal nature.

Through music, technology, and heart, Kaltwasser continues to prove that even one song can make a difference.