Born in Mamelodi, South Africa, and based in Antwerp, Tutu Puoane has developed a voice that moves naturally between jazz, soul, and song. Her singing is warm and grounded, shaped by both her South African roots and her long-standing presence in the European jazz scene. Over the years, she has collaborated with a wide range of ensembles, from the Brussels Jazz Orchestra to the Metropole Orkest, as well as artists such as Bert Joris and Bart Peeters. Her interpretations often bring together clarity and emotional depth, with a strong sense of narrative at their core.

In her recent project Wrapped In Rhythm, Puoane sets the poetry of Lebo Mashile to music, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and connection. The songs unfold with space and care, supported by arrangements that range from intimate to orchestral. Live, Puoane creates an atmosphere that feels both personal and open. Her phrasing is attentive, her presence understated, and the focus remains on the story within each song. At Jazz Middelheim, her music reflects a meeting point between continents, traditions, and lived experience.