English:Tutu Puoane (Q601021)

In 2001, two time South African Music Award (SAMA) winner Tutu Puoane finished her vocal studies at the music college of the university of cape town (UCT), she turned down a big contract with a major South African record company and decided instead to grab with both hands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: she accepted a most generous offer of Dutch pianist Jack van Poll - who was living and teaching in Cape Town at the time - to go and study in Europe in order to develop to the fullest her unique talents as a jazz vocalist and performer. This brave decision shows already some special aspects of Puoaneʼs character : strength, determination and an ability to dream beyond the obvious.

Today, miss Puoane has grown into a skilled and experienced singer and performer, having gained respect in Europe from musicians and audiences alike. She released two albums with her European Quartet: ʻSongʼ (2007) and ʻQuiet Nowʼ (2009), both of which received critical acclaim.

One of Europeʼs best big bands, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, invited her to work with them, resulting in an album called ʻMama Africaʼ celebrating the late and great Miriam Makeba, which scooped the South African Music Award for Best Traditional Jazz Album of 2011. Amongst Tutuʼs fans are international music celebrities like harmonica-legend Toots Thielemans and queen of jazz voice, miss Dianne Reeves.