Pretoria-born jazz vocalist Tutu Puoane is set to enchant audiences across South Africa this July and August as she takes the stage to present her latest artistic endeavour, Wrapped In Rhythm. This double album project, which has already garnered critical acclaim, is a musical tribute to the evocative poetry of renowned South African poet Lebo Mashile and promises to weave together the rich textures of jazz and the poignant insights of Mashile’s words.
Puoane, who has been residing in Antwerp, Belgium, since 2005, has been profoundly inspired by Mashile’s work, often carrying the poetry collection In A Ribbon Of Rhythm for nearly a decade. The poems, rich with personal narratives and reflections on the life of a young black African woman in post-Apartheid South Africa, resonate deeply with Puoane.
Each reading unveils new melodies in her mind, thus merging poetry with music in an innovative and captivating fashion. This will be a rare opportunity for South African audiences to experience Puoane’s artistry live, featuring performances that will include her full band for two concerts in Gauteng, complemented by intimate duo settings with her Belgian pianist, Ewout Pierreux, for four additional performances in Durban, Cape Town, and Gqeberha.
In addition to the live performances, Puoane will be offering a limited supply of physical pre-stock CDs and vinyl records of Wrapped In Rhythm at the shows ahead of the global release of the orchestral Volume 2 on September 19. This provides fans with a unique chance to own a piece of artistry that marries contemporary jazz with powerful narrative poetry.
The tour aims to celebrate both Puoane’s musical prowess and the profound stories behind Mashile’s words. As the singer invites audiences to experience the fervent emotions embedded in her work, attendees can expect a soulful journey that not only entertains but also deepens the connection to the cultural landscape of South Africa.
