She has a voice that sounds like it came straight out of an old Memphis vinyl record; she was born in Paris and recorded her new album with Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas. Her name is Tiwayo, and she just released Outsider with two previously unreleased tracks, and this November she’ll be performing five concerts in Spain. If you love real soul music, make a note of her name.
Some voices need no introduction. You only need to listen for a few seconds to know they have something special. Tiwayo’s is one of them.
Born in Paris but musically raised on American blues, gospel, and soul, this French musician has a touch of Al Green, a bit of Otis Redding, and that raw emotional intensity that turns a good song into something that stays with you.
And the funny thing is, we’re not talking about an artist from the ’70s.
From the streets of the United States to the Black Pumas studio
Tiwayo’s story reads like something out of a movie. During his travels across the United States, someone nicknamed him “The Young Old ” because of the contrast between his youthful appearance and a voice that seemed to have been telling stories for decades.
His stage name, Tiwayo, was born from those initials.
After releasing albums such as *The Gypsy Soul of Tiwayo* and *Desert Dream*, the singer went through a period of reduced activity until his songs caught the attention of Adrian Quesada, a musician and producer with Black Pumas.
The encounter ultimately led him to Austin, Texas, where he recorded *Outsider*, an album that recaptures the essence of Southern soul without becoming a mere imitation of the past.
Outsider: The Album That Brings Soul Back to Its Roots
Released by Record Kicks in April 2026, *Outsider* brings together musicians such as Doyle Bramhall II, Kendra Morris, and members of the Black Pumas circle.
There’s no need to chase trends here. There are warm guitars, bass lines with character, rhythm-and-blues beats, and a voice that conveys emotion whether it’s whispering or belting.
Songs like “I’ve Got To Travel Alone, ” “Up For Soul,” and “Unchained Lovers”—the latter featuring Kendra Morris—reveal the different facets of an artist who seems to feel more at ease the closer he gets to the roots of American music.
The album has also sparked interest from media outlets such as KEXP and international critics. Furthermore, according to promotional information from his team, it is being considered for a GRAMMY in the Best Americana Album category, although this does not constitute an official nomination.
Two New Songs to Help You Discover More of Tiwayo
On October 23, *Outsider (Deluxe Edition)* was released, a digital expansion that includes two previously unreleased tracks: “Austin Austin Austin” and “Lovin Man.”
The first serves as a musical declaration of love for the Texas city where Tiwayo found a new creative chapter. It’s a way of coming full circle for the French musician who was searching for his sound and the artist who seems to have found it.
Tiwayo in Spain with five concerts in November 2026
The good news is that you won’t have to travel all the way to Texas to hear how all of this sounds live. Tiwayo is visiting Spain this month for five shows:
- November 10: Santiago de Compostela — Outono Códax Festival.
- November 12: Bilbao — Kafé Antzokia.
- November 14: Madrid — Babylon Jazz Club.
- November 15: Valencia — 16 Toneladas.
- November 16: Seville — Sala X.
The Santiago de Compostela date has been moved to Tuesday, November 10.
At LoffMusic, we’re certain of one thing: Tiwayo is one of those artists worth discovering before his name starts making waves everywhere. Because soul doesn’t need to reinvent itself every season. Sometimes it just needs a voice capable of making it feel new again.
