Tutu Puoane set for grand homecoming performance at CTIJF 2026

Daniel Young|Published

Pretoria-born jazz vocalist Tutu Puoane, who has garnered acclaim in the music scene from her current home in Antwerp, Belgium, is set to take South Africa by storm this March at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

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The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) has officially announced that the celebrated vocalist Tutu Puoane will be a headlining performer at the 23rd edition of the festival, scheduled for March 27 and 28, 2026, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Widely acknowledged as one of South Africa’s premier jazz voices, Puoane’s appearance marks a deeply symbolic occasion.

Festival organisers, espAfrika, stated that her return to a major South African stage "is long overdue," adding that her appearance at the CTIJF "marks a significant homecoming moment."

Puoane has garnered considerable recognition throughout her career, including two South African Music Awards and three South African Jazz Awards, a testament to her profound impact and consistency within the jazz community.

Having spent a significant period living and collaborating with musicians internationally, she has a sound described as broadened and enriched. Known for her honest, warm, and authoritative delivery, her performances are intimate, grounded in storytelling, and often feature subtle humour, fostering a genuine connection with the audience.

In previous interviews, Puoane has described South African poet and activist Lebo Mashile's influence on her work, which features a unique blend of jazz, soul, and singer-songwriting that resonates with audiences both locally and internationally.

Since relocating to Antwerp, Belgium, in 2005, Puoane explains that she has found herself profoundly inspired by Mashile's anthology, In A Ribbon Of Rhythm.

For nearly a decade, the book accompanied her, stirring emotions that encapsulated her experiences as a young Black African woman navigating her identity amidst the complexities of living away from her homeland.

“Ten years ago, this book had me in a chokehold. I often find things about my country so difficult to express; it all feels so strange after being gone from home for so long, and yet I still hold a very deep connection to the land and people. The poems of Lebo helped me feel and express things I couldn’t express myself,” she told Saturday Star.

The CTIJF performance is expected to showcase the breadth of her international journey while paying homage to her deep South African heritage. She will be joined on stage by a stellar band featuring Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums, Shane Cooper on bass, and Ewout Pierreux on piano.

The festival continues its tradition of uniting leading local and international talent, maintaining its status as one of the continent’s premier live music experiences. Tickets for the event are currently available through Ticketmaster, with a Buy Now Pay Later option offered on Loot.

For further updates and information, follow @capetowninternationaljazzfest on social media or visit the official website.