Lebogang Mashile’s Poetry Illuminates Tutu Puoane’s Latest Album

Tutu Puoane, a distinguished jazz artist from South Africa, has unveiled her latest musical offering, “Wrapped in Rhythm (Vol. I).” This album is a captivating fusion of her soulful singing and the profound poetry of fellow South African, Lebogang Mashile. The combination of Puoane’s rich voice with the depth of Mashile’s verse creates an enchanting sonic landscape.

A luminary in the jazz genre, Puoane’s musical journey began with formal training in jazz vocals at the University of Cape Town, where she garnered numerous accolades in esteemed jazz events within South Africa. Seeking broader horizons, she relocated to Europe in 2002 for advanced studies at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, Netherlands. Currently residing in Antwerp, Belgium, Puoane’s discography boasts several lauded works, including “Quiet Now” (2009), “Song” (2007), and “Breathe” (2012). Her collaborative projects include an engagement with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra and a tribute to the legendary Miriam Makeba with the album “Mama Africa.”

Puoane’s “Wrapped in Rhythm (Vol. I)” is a musical interpretation of Mashile’s 2005 poetry collection, “In a Ribbon of Rhythm,” which delves into themes of feminism, identity, and the societal challenges faced by women. The Conversation, in an interview with Puoane, describes the album as a remarkable and profound collaboration that underscores the significance of black women’s contributions to our understanding of self and society.

Puoane shares that the inspiration for this project came from a quote by American author Aja Monet, who said, “words are symbols of sound.” For Puoane, Mashile’s poetry resonated with a spiritual and melodic quality that inspired her to envision voices like Joni Mitchell, Sade, and Laura Mvula interpreting Mashile’s words. This led to spontaneous recordings of melodies that aligned with the poems, some of which remained true to their initial improvisation, while others underwent further refinement.

The fusion of African artistic expressions, as seen in Puoane’s renditions of Mashile’s poetry, is a testament to the dynamic and innovative spirit of the continent’s creatives. The music video for the track “Latitude” from the album is a must-watch.

Celebrations are in order for Puoane’s musical achievement. You can immerse yourself in the rhythms of her new album on Spotify. Enjoy the listening experience!