South African jazz vocalist Tutu Puoane is preparing for her headlining performance at the 2026 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Image: Tom Vandewalle
“Landing this gig means so much to me. Still being booked at major festivals at home is a real treat and a great opportunity which I do not take for granted,” said Tutu Puoane as she prepares for her return to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival stage next month.
The South African jazz vocalist, who has been based in Antwerp, Belgium, for more than two decades, is set to headline the 23rd edition of the festival.
Her appearance at the Rosies stage on Saturday, March 28, marks a homecoming that reflects both her roots and her international journey.
Puoane first left a strong mark on the festival in 2008. Many still speak about that concert as one of the standout performances of the event that year.
When asked what she remembers about that night, she laughed before offering an honest reflection.
“OMG, it was quite stressful to be honest,” she said.
“My daughter was only six months old, and my mom wanted to see the gig, of course, so we had to find a babysitter to come to our hotel room to be with our non-stop crying six-month-old. On top of that, I had nothing to wear, so yeah, I remember that gig very well.”
Eighteen years later, the circumstances are very different. “This time around, our daughter is a young 18-year-old lady who does my makeup and styles me, so all should be fine on that front,” she added.
Returning as a headliner carries weight. Puoane is aware of how competitive the local scene has become and does not take her position lightly.
“I’m not getting any younger, and South Africa has no shortage of amazing young talent,” she said. “So it is especially sweet when I can still be considered and booked at home at such major events.”
Her career abroad has shaped her sound. Known for blending jazz, soul and African influences, she believes her voice and musical identity have grown over time.
“It has most certainly matured,” she explained.
“I have always looked forward to what I would sound like when I’m older, and I’m really enjoying singing now more than ever. Everything that I have learnt along the way is now second nature, and I am not afraid of trying new things with my voice.”
She links that growth to personal development.
“I am more secure as a human being, and that security filters onto the music as well,” she said.
Despite building a strong international profile in Europe and beyond, Puoane has maintained close ties to South Africa. Performing at home remains essential to her sense of purpose.
“Playing at home is very important to me. It rejuvenates my soul,” she said.
“There is nothing like singing a phrase like ‘bana ba thari e ntsho’, and not having to explain myself afterwards. Singing for people who fully comprehend what I’m saying is a joy like no other.”
Over the years, she has made deliberate efforts to connect with audiences nationwide.
“Throughout the years, I have planned tours in South Africa with zero sponsorships, and I have played everywhere,” she said.
“Small clubs, small and big festivals, people’s homes. I even played at a shebeen once in Zwide in Gqeberha. So going to the people to sing has been a very important way for me to stay connected to my niche audience at home.”
Her discography spans two decades and reflects her interest in storytelling, poetry and heritage. Songs such as “Mpho” and “Land of Broken Mirrors” sit alongside more recent material.
Her latest project, “Wrapped In Rhythm”, features music set to the poetry of South African poet Lebo Mashile, further underlining her commitment to local voices.
For the Rosies stage performance, she plans a set that bridges the past and present. Puoane will be joined on stage by Sphelelo Mazibuko on the drums, Shane Cooper on the bass and Ewout Pierreux on the piano.
“I look forward to playing some old and new stuff,” she said.
“Some people online are already hinting at what they would love to hear, so I am going to include some old favourites with some new stuff from my ‘Wrapped In Rhythm’ project.”
Above all, she hopes the audience feels engaged and uplifted. “All I can hope for is that people have a fabulous time and that they leave wanting more,” she said.
The 23rd edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival will take place on March 27 and 28 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
For Puoane, the event is more than another booking on a global calendar. It is a return to a stage that helped define her career and a chance to stand before a home audience that understands every word she sings.
“Still being welcomed back means everything,” she said. “It reminds me of where I come from and why I started singing in the first place.”
Tickets for the festival are available through Ticketmaster South Africa. More information can be found on the official festival website at www.capetownjazzfest.com.