For this passionate South African songwriter, music is more than just sound. It’s a way to touch people’s lives, tell their stories and shine a light where it’s needed most.
Through a unique combination of human creativity and artificial intelligence, Wynand Kaltwasser uses music to transform deeply personal and shared experiences into songs that transcend their surroundings and resonate with listeners.
The artist describes songwriting as the indescribable feeling of bringing words, once confined to paper, to life.
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“It’s a great feeling to write a song and be able to touch just one person with each song,” Kaltwasser said, 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. Artificial intelligence plays a role in shaping the final sound, but the heart of the music remains human,” he says.
The former Randfontein resident, now living in Germiston, Malland, shares the story behind his journey as an artificial intelligence (AI) artist.
“I’m passionate about my profession. Writing songs and being able to touch just one person with each song is an indescribable feeling,” he said.
“Emotions, stories, and lived experiences form the foundation, and AI serves as a tool that opens new creative possibilities and pushes the boundaries of art.”
“The inspiration behind the music comes from everyday life, personal experiences, the struggles of those close to the artist, and the broader South African reality.
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“We all have heavy stories to tell, but we also all have hope,” Kaltwasser said.
Kaltwasser said AI-generated music offers an opportunity to express raw emotions, beliefs, and longings, especially in spaces where traditional resources and opportunities aren’t always available.
“Although music is not a full-time profession, it remains a deep passion. The artist has written numerous poems and songs over the years, and has finally had the opportunity to share them with the world.
One of the standout tracks, Stap in my skoene, has over 100,000 streams on Spotify, and an English version titled “Walk in My Shoes” has also been released.
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These songs focus on real-life themes that many listeners can relate to, such as heartbreak, being overlooked, pain, and resilience.
Kaltwasser has released a total of 31 songs on Spotify and plans to compile the music into a full album in the near future.
“Look at this space,” Mr. Kaltwasser said excitedly.
A lifelong love of music is evident, dating back to childhood memories of standing on a chair in the living room and pretending to perform in front of large audiences.
That passion has grown into a platform to convey the powerful message that no hardship is permanent, everyone is enough, and everyone has a purpose.
Faith also plays a central role in Kaltwasser’s journey. “God created you perfectly in His name. No matter what you go through, you are worth it,” Kaltwasser said.
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As we look to the future, our dreams expand beyond personal success. Kaltwasser hopes to earn enough money through music to give back to the community, especially to underprivileged children.
One of the initiatives envisioned is to visit schools, collect letters from children about their needs, and help provide essential items to those who need them most.
All photographs accompanying the project were taken by the artist without the involvement of a professional photographer, again reflecting the highly personal nature of the journey.
Kaltwasser continues to prove that through music, technology, and heart, even one song can make a difference.
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