Putuma Tiso Biography
Putuma Tiso is a Johannesburg, Gauteng-based gospel singer, songwriter, and session musician originally from Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
She began her career as a jazz vocalist and has collaborated with industry icons, including Bra Hugh Masekela.
She has collaborated with many gospel industry icons, including Rebecca Malope and Benjamin Dube. Putuma has dedicated her professional life to the adoration and service of God.
Her most recent publication, “Sacred Moments,” is accessible on CD and digital media.
Putuma Tiso Wikipedia
Full Name: Putuma Tiso (now Mrs. Nkambule)
Birthplace: Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, South Africa
Age: Approximately 44 years old (as of 2025)
Profession: Gospel Singer, Songwriter, Session Musician
Genres: Gospel, Jazz
Early Career: Started as a jazz vocalist, worked with Hugh Masekela
Gospel Transition: Found success in gospel music, working with Rebecca Malope and Benjamin Dube
Notable Albums: Jesu Dwala (2016), Back To The Journey Of Grace (2017), Sacred Moments (2021)
Awards: Crown Gospel Award for Best Female Artist (2017), Best Gospel Collaboration (2018, 2023)
Business: Founder of Putuma Productions
Personal Life: Married in 2022 to Mr. Nkambule
Social Media: Active on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
Putuma Tiso Date of Birth and Age
As of March 31, 2025, South African gospel singer Putuma Tiso is approximately 44 years old.
In a 2013 interview, she mentioned being 32 years old. However, her exact date of birth is not publicly documented
Putuma Tiso’s Early Life and Education
Putuma Tiso was born and raised in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), Eastern Cape, South Africa.
While specific details about her early life and education are limited, it is known that she initially pursued studies in pharmacy upon moving to Johannesburg in 2001.
However, her passion for music led her to transition into a career as a session musician, collaborating with renowned artists such as Hugh Masekela.
This shift marked the beginning of her journey in the music industry.
Putuma Tiso Career
Putuma, who was born and reared in Port Elizabeth, began her career when she traveled to Johannesburg in 2001 as part of the Eastern Cape ensemble Christian Voices, which signed a record deal with Sony Music.
After being signed to Native Rhythms in 2009 after being found by Sipho Sithole, Tiso released the afro-jazz album “Putuma,” which exposed her to a new audience and catapulted her to popularity.
In 2014, Putuma decided to return to gospel music and quit Native Rhythms.
She returned to her career as a background vocalist after taking a two-year break from her solo endeavors.
She founded Putuma Productions in 2016 and used it to record her solo gospel album, “Jesu Dwala,” which brought home the Independent National Gospel Awards’ (INGOMAs) Best Female Artist title.
She received “Best Female Artist” at the 2017 Crown Awards for her release of “Back To The Journey Of Grace,” which was released in 2017.
His 2017 PR firm was Artistry Agency.
Putuma Tiso Shares Her Thoughts On Living During a Pandemic: “Hard but God Is Good”
Putuma Tiso, a gospel musician and composer, recently opened up about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted her life.
To inspire and uplift those affected by the pandemic, she is set to release a live recording of her latest album, offering a message of hope.
Despite the challenges, Putuma remains steadfast in her faith, saying, “Even though things have been difficult, God has never failed me.”
In an interview with Briefly News, she discussed the struggles brought on by the pandemic, her financial setbacks, and her plans for rebuilding as society adjusts to a new normal.
“The pandemic had a serious financial impact on me,” she admitted. “I didn’t have much, but I believe God provided for me.”
A devoted Christian, Putuma firmly believes that everything happens according to God’s plan, even when it doesn’t seem that way at the moment.
Reflecting on the hardships, she said, “God is good, even though times have been tough.”
She also suggested that the pandemic might have been a reminder of God’s power:
“If He could bring the world to a halt so quickly, it shows that He is capable of anything. I think we had forgotten that. We no longer put God at the center of our lives.”
To those struggling, Putuma shared a message of encouragement:
“As Psalm 46:10 says, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ We face challenges for a reason, but we must trust in the Lord, knowing He will guide us through.”
In addition to her spiritual message, Putuma has been working on a new project aimed at restoring hope.
The gospel artist, who grew up in Gqeberha, will perform a live version of her latest album, Sacred Moments, produced under Putuma Productions.
The live recording is scheduled for May 2 at the Johannesburg Theatre. She explained that the pandemic delayed the album’s release, which was originally planned for last year.
Through this project, Putuma hopes to encourage people to reconnect with their faith and find healing through her music.
Tickets for the event are available on Webtickets.com.
Meanwhile, Briefly News previously reported that entertainer Zodwa Wabantu is venturing into poultry farming.
She recently shared a video on social media showing her chickens, revealing her new business of selling poultry and eggs.
Since the pandemic shut down much of the entertainment industry, Zodwa has turned to farming as an alternative source of income.
Her fans have expressed their support for her new business venture.
Putuma Tiso Personal Life
In mid-2022, South African gospel singer Putuma Tiso celebrated her traditional wedding, becoming Mrs. Nkambule.
She shared images from the ceremony on social media, expressing her joy and gratitude, stating, “I thank God and the love of my life.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiso faced significant financial challenges but remained steadfast in her faith.
She emphasized the importance of trusting in God’s plan during difficult times, referencing Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”
These personal experiences reflect Tiso’s resilience and deep-rooted faith, which continue to inspire her music and her audience.
Putuma Tiso Awards
1. 2017 SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards: Tiso was honored with the Best Female Artist award for her album Back To The Journey Of Grace.
2. 2018 SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards: Her collaboration with Benjamin Dube on the song “Bayede” earned her the Best Gospel Collaboration award.
3. 2023 Crown Gospel Music Awards: Tiso’s collaboration with Swazi Dlamini won the Best Gospel Collaboration award.
Some lesser-known facts about South African gospel singer Putuma Tiso
1. Early Musical Beginnings: Before her gospel career, Putuma Tiso began as a jazz vocalist, collaborating with renowned artists like Hugh Masekela.
2. Stage Name Variation: Early in her career, she was affectionately known as “Pu2ma,” a stylized rendition of her first name.
3. Birthday Celebration with Fans: In 2012, she hosted an intimate event titled “An Intimate Night with Pu2ma” at Native Lounge in Rosebank, Johannesburg, to celebrate her birthday through music with her fans.
4. Cape Town Jazz Festival Performance: In 2013, she performed a 45-minute set at the 14th Cape Town Jazz Festival, sharing the stage with international artists like Jill Scott and local talents such as MiCasa and Mafikizolo.
5. Personal Milestone: In mid-2022, Putuma Tiso celebrated her traditional wedding, becoming Mrs. Nkambule. She shared her joy and gratitude for this new chapter in her life on social media.
Putuma Tiso Social Media Platforms
TikTok: @putumamusic
Instagram: @putuma_music
Facebook: Putuma Tiso
Putuma Tiso Instagram
FAQS
1. Who Is Putuma Tiso?
Putuma Tiso is a South African gospel singer, songwriter, and former jazz vocalist.
She transitioned from jazz to gospel, collaborating with renowned artists like Hugh Masekela and Benjamin Dube.
She has won multiple Crown Gospel Awards and released hit albums like Jesu Dwala and Back To The Journey Of Grace.
As the founder of Putuma Productions, she mentors upcoming gospel artists. In 2022, she got married and continues to inspire through her faith-driven music.
2. Where was Putuma Tiso born?
She was born in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, South Africa.
3. How old is Putuma Tiso?
She is approximately 44 years old as of 2025, based on a 2013 interview where she mentioned being 32 years old.
4. What type of music does she sing?
Putuma Tiso is known for gospel music, but she also has a background in jazz.
5. When did she start her music career?
She started as a jazz session musician before transitioning into gospel in the early 2000s.
6. Has she won any awards?
2017 Crown Gospel Awards – Best Female Artist
2018 Crown Gospel Awards – Best Gospel Collaboration (with Benjamin Dube)
2023 Crown Gospel Awards – Best Gospel Collaboration (with Swazi Dlamini)
7. Is Putuma Tiso married?
Yes, she got married in mid-2022 in a traditional wedding and became Mrs. Nkambule.
8. What are some of her most popular albums?
Jesu Dwala (2016)
Back To The Journey Of Grace (2017)
Sacred Moments (2021)
9. Has she worked with any famous artists?
Hugh Masekela (jazz)
Rebecca Malope (gospel)
Benjamin Dube (gospel)
10. What is Putuma Tiso’s impact on gospel music?
She is known for her powerful, faith-driven music and her ability to inspire listeners through worship.
She also mentors young artists and promotes gospel music through her company, Putuma Productions.
11. Where can I follow Putuma Tiso on social media?
Instagram: @putuma_music
Facebook: Putuma Tiso
TikTok: @putumamusic
Conclusion
Putuma Tiso is a highly respected South African gospel artist whose journey from jazz to gospel showcases her musical versatility and deep spiritual conviction.
With a career spanning decades, she has worked with legendary artists, released multiple award-winning albums, and remained a powerful voice in the gospel industry.
Her contributions extend beyond music—through Putuma Productions, she mentors upcoming gospel artists and continues to inspire people with her faith and artistry.
Her recent marriage and ongoing music projects demonstrate her enduring influence and dedication to her craft.
With a legacy built on passion, faith, and musical excellence, Putuma Tiso remains an inspirational figure in South African gospel music.
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