The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJZ) is a continuous source of joy, providing its insiders and passionate jazz enthusiasts with an extraordinary lineup. Recently, CTIJZ announced that Tutu Puoane is officially set to headline the 23rd edition of the festival.
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Puoane, the acclaimed vocalist, is scheduled to perform at the CTICC on Saturday, 28 March 2026, representing a highlight for this year’s lineup.
Originating from Mamelodi, a township in Pretoria, Puoane is regarded as one of South Africa’s most prolific and charismatic musical talents to have emerged from the Republic in recent years.
Puoane has shared her remarkable talents with the world; notably, in 2002, she pursued her studies in the Netherlands, and since 2004, she has made her home in Antwerp, Belgium. Through her exceptional and memorable collaborations with various artists, including the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Bert Joris, the Flemish Philharmonic, Metropole Orkest, WDR Big Band, and Tineke Postma, she has captured the hearts of many across the globe.
With two South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and three South African Jazz Awards to her name, Puoane has dedicated a significant portion of her career to touring globally.
Puoane’s most recent performance at the Cape Town International Convention Center occurred in 2008, marking 18 years since she last graced the CTICC stage for the grand CPIJF. Her previous appearance at the CTICC left audiences in awe and is still remembered by both the organisers and fans as a remarkable highlight in the festival’s history, which only heightens the excitement for her anticipated return.
The CPITJF signifies her comeback, showcasing a sound that is both globally refined and deeply connected to her South African roots. Attendees can look forward to a performance that is personal, sincere, and rich in the storytelling for which she is renowned. She will be joined on stage by Sphelelo Mazibuko on drums, Shane Cooper on bass, and Ewout Pierreux on piano.
