Zaz (singer)
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Key Information

Isabelle Geffroy[1] (French pronunciation: [izabɛl ʒɛfʁwa]; born 1 May 1980), known professionally as Zaz (pronounced [zaz]), is a French singer and songwriter who mixes jazz, French variety, soul and acoustic. She is best known for her single "Je veux", taken from her self-titled debut album, released on 10 May 2010.[2] She has six studio albums: Zaz, Recto verso, Paris, Effet miroir, Isa, and Sains et saufs as well as two live albums: Sans tsu tsou and Sur la route. Worldwide as of February 2023 Zaz has sold over 5 million albums, including 2 million outside France.[3]

Early life

[edit]

Zaz was born in Tours, France. Her mother was a Spanish teacher, and her father worked for an electric company. In 1985, she entered the Conservatoire de Tours with her sister and her brother, attending courses from the ages of 6 to 11. She studied music theory, specifically the violin, piano, guitar, and choral singing. In 1994, she moved to the Bordeaux region. In 1995, she took singing lessons and played sports for a year in Bordeaux. In 2000, she won a scholarship from the regional council, which allowed her to join a school of modern music, the CIAM (Centre for Musical Activities and Information) of Bordeaux. Her musical influences included 'Four Seasons' by Vivaldi, jazz singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, and other singers such as Enrico Macias, Bobby McFerrin, and Richard Bona, as well as African, Latin, and Cuban rhythms. In 2006, she moved to Paris.

Career

[edit]
Zaz performing with Benoit Simon at the TFF Rudolstadt festival in 2011

In 2001, she started her singing career in the blues band "Fifty Fingers". She sang in musical groups in Angoulême, especially in a jazz quintet.[4] She became one of the four singers of Izar-Adatz (Basque for "Shooting Star"), a variety band which consisted of sixteen people with whom she toured for two years, especially in the Midi-Pyrenees and the Basque Country. She worked in the studio as a backing singer in Toulouse and performed with many singers, including Maeso, Art Mengo, Vladimir Max, Jean-Pierre Mader, and Serge Guerao.

In 2011, Zaz won an EBBA Award. Every year the European Border Breakers Awards (EBBA) recognize the success of ten emerging artists or groups who reached audiences outside their own countries with their first internationally released album in the past year.

In May 2010, French magazine Télérama announced: "Rumor has swelled in recent weeks: Zaz is an extraordinary voice, and she will be the revelation of the summer!".[5] On 10 May 2010, Zaz released her first album. It contains songs she wrote ("Trop sensible") and co-composed ("Les passants", "Le long de la route", "Prends garde à ta langue", "J'aime à nouveau", "Ni oui ni non"). Kerredine Soltani produced the album on the label "Play On" and wrote and composed the hit single "Je veux". The pop singer Raphaël Haroche wrote her songs "Éblouie par la nuit", "Port Coton" and "La fée". In 2010, she signed a contract for her tours with Caramba and publisher Sony ATV. She was invited to make several television appearances (such as Taratata or Chabada  [fr]) and was featured in several programs on the radio. On Sunday 6 October 2013, Zaz appeared on BBC One's The Andrew Marr Show in London and sang "Je veux" live.

Zaz performing at the Royal Albert Hall, London on 31 March 2022
Zaz (Paris Tour) in Brest in 2016.

Zaz then toured France (Paris, La Rochelle, Montauban, Saint-Ouen, Chateauroux, Landerneau, Fécamp...), performed at the Francofolies of Montreal (Canada), and sang in Monthey (Switzerland), Brussels, Berlin, and Milan. In autumn Zaz topped the charts in Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. Matthieu Baligand, her manager and producer at Caramba Entertainment, explained to Libération: "There's a lot about her right now and people want to see her tour... But despite the demand, it seems preferable for her to begin touring in fifty small places, which will make her more credible. Zaz is a popular, intuitive artist, who is familiar with music, who can sing, but doing a quality show is something else (...)." In November 2010, the debut album Zaz became double platinum and she was awarded "Revelation Song" by the Académie Charles Cros. Zaz also won the European Border Breakers Award: she was named the French artist most played abroad in 2010. According to a survey published by L'Internaute, Zaz was the most popular French singer in the 2010 ranking.[6]

She is also featured on the song "Cœur Volant" for the soundtrack of the 2011 film, Hugo. Her live CD and DVD Zaz live tour Sans Tsu Tsou was revealed.

Her song "Eblouie Par La Nuit" was featured in the 2013 American neo-noir crime thriller, "Dead Man Down".

In 2012, Zaz went on tour and held concerts in various countries around the world including Japan, Canada, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czech Republic (Colours of Ostrava), Croatia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Turkey, among other countries.[7]

With her album Paris she won the 2015 Echo award for best international female rock/pop artist.[8]

In 2016, Zaz was invited to perform in Zacatecas City, Mexico as part of the Festival Cultural Zacatecas.[9]

In September 2018, Zaz released "Qué vendrá", the first track from an upcoming album titled Effet miroir ("Mirror Effect"). The track's title and chorus are in Spanish.[10]

In 2019 Zaz took a career break in order to, "look after myself...There has to be a balance because it's Isa [a contraction of her real name] who feeds Zaz, not Zaz who feeds Isa."[11] In October 2021 Zaz released her fifth studio album, Isa.

In September 2023, Zaz performed Lucienne Delyle's "Mon amant de Saint Jean" at the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup in the Stade de France.[12]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In 2011, Zaz joined the Les Enfoirés charity ensemble.

Zaz created the project Zazimut to "develop and promote projects for a society more respectful of life in all its forms". Since 2017 Zazimut has been one of the joint organisers of the annual Crussol Festival which aims to "raise awareness of building together a more sustainable, happy and supportive society."[13]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Awards Work Category Result Ref.
2014 World Music Awards Herself World's Best Female Artist Nominated
World's Best Live Act Nominated
Zaz World's Best Album Nominated
Recto Verso Nominated
"Si" World's Best Song Nominated
"On Ira" Nominated
World's Best Video Nominated
Žebřík Music Awards Paris Best International Album Nominated [14]
2015 Herself Best International Live Nominated

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak positions Certifications
FRA
[15] 		AUT
[16] 		BEL
(FL)
[17] 		BEL
(WA)
[18] 		CAN
[19] 		GER
[20] 		NLD
[21] 		POL
[22] 		SPA
[23] 		SWI
[24]
Zaz 1 12 51 1 57 3 56 1 93 10
Recto Verso
  • Released: 13 May 2013
  • Label: Play On, Jo & Co, Parlophone
  • Formats: CD, CD+DVD, LP, digital download
 2 4 16 3 16 2 73 5 21 1
Paris
  • Released: 10 November 2014
  • Label: Jo & Co, Play On, Warner
  • Formats: CD, CD+DVD, LP, digital download
 2 4 8 2 9 5 54 2 17[A] 3
Effet miroir
  • Released: 16 November 2018[36]
  • Label: Warner, Play On, Jo & Co
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
 5 18 16 9 43 3 63 25 25 5
Isa
  • Released: 22 October 2021
 2 10 15 4 — 10 — 24 48 5
Sains et saufs
  • Released: 19 September 2025
 3 22 9 2 — 13 — — — 5

Box sets

[edit]
Title Details Peak positions
FRA
[15] 		SPA
[23]
Recto verso / Zaz
  • Released: 2 June 2014[37]
  • Label: Warner
  • Format: CD
 48 —
Coffret 4 albums
  • Released: 28 June 2019[38]
  • Label: Warner
  • Format: CD
 — 56
Effet miroir / Recto Verso
  • Released: 7 August 2020[39]
  • Label: Warner
  • Format: CD
 — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Live albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions Certifications
FRA
[15] 		BEL
(FL)
[17] 		BEL
(WA)
[18] 		CAN
[19] 		POL
[22] 		SPA
[23] 		SWI
[24]
Sans tsu tsou: Live Tour
  • Released: 5 December 2011[40]
  • Label: Play On, Jo & Co, Parlophone
  • Formats: CD, CD+DVD
 24 — 27 — 17 — —
Sur la route
  • Released: 30 October 2015[42]
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: CD+DVD, digital download
 4 36 10 48 18 71 9
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
FRA
[15] 		AUT
[16] 		BEL
(FL)
[17] 		BEL
(WA)
[18] 		GER
[20] 		SWI
[24]
"Je veux" 2010 34 16 34 2 22 23 Zaz
"Le long de la route" 62 — —[B] 16 — —
"La fée" 2011 40 — —[C] 7 — —
"Éblouie par la nuit" 13 — —[D] 34 — —
"Cette journée" 2013 — — — —[E] — — Recto Verso
"On ira" 12 74 —[F] 16 47 15
"Comme ci, comme ça" — — —[G] —[H] — —
"Si" 34 — —[I] —[J] — —
"Gamine" 2014 169 — — —[K] — —
"Paris sera toujours Paris" 48 — —[L] —[M] — — Paris
"Sous le ciel de Paris" 170 — —[N] — — —
"Champs Élysées" 177 — —[O] —[P] — —
"Si jamais j'oublie" 2015 11 — —[Q] 27 — 43 Sur la route
"Tous les cris les S.O.S." 16 — — —[R] — — Balavoine(s)
"Qué vendrá" 2018 — — —[S] —[T] — — Effet miroir
"Demain c'est toi" — — —[U] — — —
"Nos vies" 2019 — — —[V] —[W] — —
"On s'en remet jamais" — — —[X] — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
[edit]
Title Year Peak positions Album
FRA
[15] 		BEL
Tip
(WA)
[46]
"L'hymne de nos campagnes 2019"
Tryo featuring Bigflo & Oli, Claudio Capéo, Gauvain Sers, Sylvain Duthu, L.E.J, Vianney and Zaz) 		2019 183 8 XXV [fr]
"Ce n'est rien "
(Julien Clerc avec Zaz)) 		2019 — — Duos [fr]
"I Dare You (Appelle ton amour)"
(Kelly Clarkson featuring Zaz) 		2020 — 26 Non-album single
"Le jardin des larmes [it]"
(Till Lindemann featuring Zaz) 		2021 — — Isa
"Liebe Ist"
(Namika x Zaz) 		2023 — — Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Charity singles

[edit]

Other charted songs

[edit]
Title Year Peak positions Album
FRA
[15] 		BEL
(WA)
[18]
"Trop sensible" 2013 52 — Zaz
"Belle" 119 — None
"Demain de bon matin"
(Boulevard des airs featuring Zaz) 		2016 — 43 Bruxelles
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Zaz (singer)

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from Grokipedia
Isabelle Geffroy (born 1 May 1980), known professionally as Zaz, is a French singer-songwriter celebrated for her distinctive fusion of nu jazz, soul, acoustic folk, and French chanson influences.[1] Rising to prominence in the late 2000s, she achieved international breakthrough with her self-titled debut album Zaz in 2010, which topped charts in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, driven by the anthemic single "Je veux" that critiqued materialism and sold over 800,000 units worldwide.[2] Her raspy, emotive vocals and energetic live performances have drawn comparisons to icons like Edith Piaf and Ella Fitzgerald, establishing her as one of France's most exported contemporary artists with over 5 million records sold globally (as of 2025) and Gold certifications in 12 countries.[2][3][4] Zaz's musical journey began in her hometown of Tours, where she started performing in the early 2000s, joining the blues band Fifty Fingers in 2001 before singing with a jazz quintet and the group Izar-Adatz in Angoulême.[1] She later worked as a backing vocalist for artists such as Maeso and Art Mengo in Toulouse and honed her craft at the CIAM music school in Bordeaux, where she also fronted the Latin rock band Don Diego.[5] Her big break came in January 2010 after winning the Generation Reservoir contest at Paris's Olympia theater, leading to a record deal and the release of her debut single "Je veux," which propelled her to stardom across Europe, Asia, and beyond.[2] Subsequent albums solidified her reputation, including the live recording Sans Tsu Tsou (2011), the introspective Recto Verso (2013), and the collaborative Paris (2014), featuring guests like Quincy Jones and Charles Aznavour.[6] Paris earned her the 2015 Echo Award for Best International Female Rock/Pop Artist in Germany.[7] Earlier accolades include the 2011 Victoire de la Musique for Best Original Song ("Je veux") and the European Border Breakers Award in 2011 for her cross-border success.[8][1] Later works such as Effet Miroir (2018) and Isa (2021) explored personal themes, with the latter reissued in 2022, while she has performed over 500 concerts across five continents.[2][1] In recent years, Zaz has continued touring extensively, including a 2025 European and international schedule with sold-out shows at venues like Paris's Olympia, though she faced cancellations in October 2025 due to vocal health issues.[9][10] In 2025, she released the singles "Je pardonne" and "Sains et saufs" on March 18, which appeared on her sixth studio album Sains et saufs, released on September 19, 2025.[11][12] Her enduring appeal lies in her commitment to authentic, socially conscious music delivered with theatrical flair, making her a staple in French variety and global jazz scenes.[2]

Early life and background

Childhood and family

Isabelle Geffroy, known professionally as Zaz, was born on 1 May 1980 in Chambray-lès-Tours, a suburb of Tours in central France's Indre-et-Loire department.[13] Her mother worked as a Spanish teacher, while her father was employed by an electricity company.[13] She has one brother and one sister.[13] The family led a modest life, with Zaz spending her early years in the Tours region before relocating to Libourne in the Gironde department during her adolescence following her parents' divorce. Zaz has recounted a turbulent childhood marked by hyperactivity and emotional intensity, often engaging in risky behaviors such as sliding headfirst down stairs.[14] She found formal schooling distressing due to its rigid structure, which clashed with her energetic nature, leading her to develop a tough exterior for self-protection.[14] Her father's alcoholism contributed to family tensions, portraying him as hypersensitive yet emotionally distant, though Zaz viewed him with a mix of love and understanding as a victim of his own hardships.[14] Summers provided some respite, as she visited her paternal grandfather in Loguivy-Plougras, Brittany, assisting with potato harvests and farm chores.[15] Music emerged as an early outlet amid these challenges, with her mother recognizing its potential to channel Zaz's boundless energy and enrolling her in lessons, though attendance was inconsistent.[14] By her teenage years, personal struggles intensified; Zaz left home, entered foster care, and grappled with substance use and emotional volatility, later reflecting on this period as one of survival and self-discovery.[14] Her father's death during her young adulthood further shaped her perspective on family and resilience.[14]

Musical education and early influences

Isabelle Geffroy, known professionally as Zaz, was born on 1 May 1980 in Chambray-lès-Tours, a suburb of Tours, France.[16] Her mother worked as a Spanish teacher, and her father was employed by an electricity company; the family emphasized musical education from a young age.[13] In 1985, at the age of five, she enrolled at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Tours alongside her siblings.[7] There, she studied music theory, violin, piano, guitar, and choral singing until the age of eleven, developing a foundational technical proficiency that emphasized classical and ensemble techniques.[17] By her early teens, after moving to Libourne near Bordeaux in 1994, she continued private singing lessons starting in 1995, which honed her vocal style blending precision with emotional expressiveness. At age 20, in 2000, Geffroy received a scholarship to attend the CIAM music school in Bordeaux, where she pursued formal training in contemporary music, including jazz and improvisation, while also performing with local bands such as the Latin rock group Don Diego.[5] This period marked a shift from her classical conservatory roots toward more eclectic, performance-oriented education, allowing her to experiment with rhythm, harmony, and stage presence in real-world settings.[5] Her time at CIAM not only refined her instrumental and vocal skills but also introduced her to collaborative music-making, influencing her later fusion of genres.[18] Zaz's early musical influences were diverse, drawing from classical, jazz, and French chanson traditions, shaped significantly by her family's record collection.[19] She has cited Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons as a formative classical inspiration, appreciating its melodic vitality and structural elegance, which echoed in her own rhythmic phrasing.[18] Jazz luminaries like Ella Fitzgerald profoundly impacted her scat singing and improvisational flair, while French icons such as Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, and Jacques Brel instilled a sense of poetic storytelling and raw emotional delivery in her work.[18] Additional influences included Enrico Macias for his North African-infused melodies and Bobby McFerrin for his vocal innovation and playfulness, contributing to Zaz's signature blend of soulful introspection and upbeat accessibility.[19] These elements, absorbed during her formative years, laid the groundwork for her genre-defying style that merges jazz spontaneity with folk intimacy.[20]

Career

Early endeavors and breakthrough (pre-2010 to 2012)

Zaz, born Isabelle Geffroy, began her musical journey in earnest around 2001 after moving to Bordeaux at age 14 and later enrolling at the CIAM music school there at 20. She joined the blues band Fifty Fingers and performed with other groups, including the jazz quintet in Angoulême and the Latin rock band Don Diego, blending influences from jazz, blues, and gypsy styles.[21][5][22] Throughout the mid-2000s, she worked as a backing vocalist in Toulouse studios and collaborated with artists such as Maeso, Art Mengo, and Jean-Pierre Mader, while also busking on the streets of Bordeaux and Paris to hone her street-smart, acoustic performance style.[7][23] These early experiences, spanning 2001 to 2008, emphasized her raw, versatile vocal abilities and commitment to independent music-making, often in small venues and self-produced settings.[24] Her transition to a solo career gained momentum in 2008 when she began performing independently, drawing on her eclectic background to craft original songs with a mix of French chanson, jazz manouche, and soul elements. A pivotal moment came in 2009 when Zaz won the "Génération Réservoir" talent competition, a showcase for self-produced artists, which led to a high-profile performance at Paris's Olympia theater in January 2010.[2][5][25] This victory, along with earlier placements in competitions like Le Tremplin, marked her emergence from underground circuits and attracted attention from producers, including Kerredine Soltani, who helped shape her debut material.[25][23] The breakthrough arrived in 2010 with the release of her debut single "Je veux" in February, a protest anthem critiquing materialism that quickly climbed to No. 2 on the French charts and gained viral traction through its energetic, retro-inspired video.[6] Her self-titled album Zaz, released on May 10, 2010, via Parlophone, featured 12 tracks produced by Soltani and showcased her distinctive raspy voice over acoustic arrangements, including covers like "Les passants." The album debuted at No. 1 in France, topping charts for six weeks and achieving double platinum status by November with over 200,000 units sold domestically that year.[7][26] It also reached No. 1 in Belgium and Switzerland, solidifying her appeal in francophone markets and earning her the "Révélation Song" award from the Académie Charles Cros, as well as the European Border Breakers Award for the French artist most played abroad.[7][2] From 2010 to 2012, Zaz capitalized on this success with extensive touring, including sold-out shows at the Olympia and international festivals, while her album maintained strong sales, entering the top 10 in France during the 2010 holiday season and contributing to over 1 million units sold across Europe by 2012.[26] "Je veux" became a cultural touchstone, inspiring covers and media buzz, and positioned Zaz as a fresh voice in French pop, blending nostalgia with contemporary social commentary. Her live performances, known for their theatrical energy and audience interaction, further amplified her rising profile, setting the stage for global recognition.[6][18]

International success and mid-career (2013–2017)

Following the success of her debut album, Zaz released her second studio album, Recto Verso, on May 10, 2013, produced by Philippe Paradis. The album featured a blend of French pop and chanson influences, with lead single "On ira" becoming a hit across Europe. It peaked at number one on the Swiss Albums Chart, number two on both the French and German Albums Charts, and achieved gold certification in France for sales exceeding 50,000 units.[27][28] In 2014, Zaz issued her third studio album, Paris, on November 10, a thematic tribute to the French capital that included covers of classics like "Sous le ciel de Paris" alongside originals, with production contributions from Quincy Jones. The record topped the French Albums Chart and reached the top five in several European countries, including number four in Austria and number eight in Belgium (Flanders). It earned triple platinum status in France for over 300,000 units sold and gold certifications in Belgium, Switzerland, and Poland, underscoring her growing international appeal.[29][5][30] Zaz's mid-career period saw extensive touring, with performances across more than 50 countries in Europe, North America, and Asia as part of her Recto Verso and Paris promotional runs, often selling out venues and festivals such as Sziget in Hungary and Gurtenfestival in Switzerland. In 2015, she released the live album Sur la route, recorded during her 2014-2015 tour, capturing energetic renditions of hits like "On ira" and "Éblouie par la nuit," which further highlighted her dynamic stage presence. The following year, she performed at the Festival Cultural de Mayo in Zacatecas, Mexico, expanding her reach in Latin America.[5][31] Her international profile was bolstered by accolades, including the 2015 ECHO Award for Best International Rock/Pop Female Artist for Paris. She also received multiple 2014 World Music Awards nominations, such as World's Best Female Artist and World's Best Live Act. These achievements solidified Zaz's status as a prominent figure in global Francophone music during this era.[5][30]

Recent work and projects (2018–present)

In 2018, Zaz released her fourth studio album, Effet miroir, on November 16, comprising entirely original songs that explored themes of introspection and resilience.[32] The album featured tracks like "Qué vendrá" and "J'aime j'aime," blending her signature jazz-infused pop with acoustic elements.[32] Following its release, Zaz embarked on the Effet Miroir World Tour in 2019, performing across Europe, North America, and other regions, including sold-out shows at venues like The Town Hall in New York and the Fox Theater in Oakland.[33][34] Zaz's fifth studio album, Isa—named after her real first name, Isabelle Geffroy—was released on October 22, 2021, by Parlophone, marking a more personal and organic shift in her songwriting.[35] The record included collaborations such as "Le Jardin des Larmes" with Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann, adding a dramatic edge to its eclectic mix of chanson and soul influences. To promote Isa, Zaz launched the Organique Tour in 2022, an environmentally conscious production emphasizing sustainable practices, with performances at major venues including the Royal Albert Hall in London and Event Halle in Basel.[36][37] In 2025, Zaz served as a coach on the fourteenth season of The Voice France, joining the panel alongside Florent Pagny, Vianney, and Patricia Kaas, where she mentored talents during the blind auditions starting in March.[38][39] She previewed her sixth studio album with singles "Je pardonne" and "Sains et saufs," released on March 18, before the full album Sains et saufs debuted on September 19 via Tôt ou Tard, featuring introspective tracks like "Au pays des merveilles" and "Mon cœur tu es fou."[11][12] Supporting the new release, Zaz began a world tour in November 2025, with dates extending into 2026 across Europe and beyond, including stops at L'Olympia in Paris and the London Palladium, though she faced cancellations in October 2025 due to vocal health issues.[40][9][10]

Artistry

Musical style and themes

Zaz's musical style is a distinctive fusion of French chanson, jazz manouche (also known as gypsy jazz), pop, folk, and world music elements, often characterized by her gravelly, raspy vocals that convey raw emotion and authenticity.[41] This blend draws from the traditions of French cabaret while incorporating rhythmic, acoustic-driven arrangements that evoke a bohemian, street-performer energy.[18] Her debut album Zaz (2010) prominently featured gypsy jazz as its core, with upbeat tracks like "Les Passants" highlighting observational storytelling through lively, swing-infused melodies.[42] Thematically, Zaz's songwriting frequently addresses socially conscious issues, emphasizing themes of love, freedom, equality, environmental awareness, and anti-materialism.[41] In "Je veux," she critiques consumerism and societal pressures, advocating for joy, human connection, and simple pleasures over wealth, delivered with a playful yet defiant tone.[22] Songs like "La Fée" explore whimsical, introspective narratives about mystery and personal discovery, while broader works touch on heartbreak, hope, and societal critique, often infused with humor and optimism.[18] Her lyrics prioritize conceptual depth, using everyday language to champion ethical living and emotional resilience.[43] Over time, Zaz's style has evolved to incorporate more pop and soul influences, as seen in Recto Verso (2013), where jazz elements coexist with R&B-tinged tracks like "Comme ci comme ça," maintaining her signature vocal quirks such as scatting and trumpet-like improvisations.[42] Later albums like Paris (2014) returned to jazz roots through big-band reinterpretations of standards, underscoring themes of cultural heritage and urban romance.[22] In subsequent works such as Effet Miroir (2018) and Isa (2021), she embraced more eclectic arrangements blending pop, dance, jazz, and salsa, while deepening explorations of love, life, and personal introspection.[44] Her 2025 singles "Je pardonne" and "Sains et saufs" further these motifs, focusing on forgiveness as a path to renewal and individuality as resistance to conformity, reinforced by love's protective role.[11] This versatility allows her music to balance accessibility with artistic integrity, appealing to diverse audiences while staying true to her influences from artists like Édith Piaf and Ella Fitzgerald.[45]

Influences and collaborations

Zaz's musical style draws from a diverse array of genres, prominently featuring jazz, soul, acoustic elements, and French chanson traditions, reflecting her eclectic tastes developed during her early training and street performances. Her sound is particularly rooted in the Hot Club de France jazz style, inspired by guitarist Django Reinhardt, which infuses her work with a gypsy jazz flair while allowing for expansions into electro-pop and world music influences.[46][20] She has acknowledged the profound impact of French icon Édith Piaf on her vocal delivery and thematic approach, modernizing the raw emotional intensity of classic chanson in her compositions. Zaz's influences also extend to 1930s rhythms, Latin soul, and broader jazz traditions, shaping her intuitive blend of intimacy and energy on stage and in recordings.[47][3] Zaz has collaborated extensively with international and French artists, enhancing her crossover appeal. Her 2014 album Paris featured contributions from Quincy Jones, Charles Aznavour, and Pablo Alborán, resulting in a tribute to the city's musical heritage that topped charts in multiple countries.[2] In 2021, she partnered with Rammstein's Till Lindemann for the haunting duet "Le Jardin des Larmes," a track blending her folk sensibilities with industrial rock elements.[48] Other key partnerships include joint performances with Thomas Dutronc and group efforts like the 2019 single "L'Hymne de nos Campagnes" alongside Tryo, Bigflo & Oli, Claudio Capéo, and Gauvain Sers, highlighting her commitment to collective French music projects.[49][5]

Philanthropy

Charitable performances

Zaz has been a dedicated participant in charitable performances since the early stages of her career, with her most prominent involvement being in the annual Les Enfoirés concerts organized to support Les Restos du Cœur, a French charity providing food aid and social services to those in need. She first joined the ensemble in 2011, performing at the shows in Montpellier from January 26 to 31, which led her to postpone her own scheduled concerts to prioritize the event. Over the subsequent years, Zaz became a regular member of the troupe, contributing vocals to dozens of songs across multiple editions and helping raise significant funds through ticket sales, album releases, and broadcasts. By 2024, she had participated in at least 14 editions, interpreting a wide repertoire that included both classic French chansons and contemporary hits, often in ensemble performances that highlighted her versatile voice. For instance, during the 2024 edition titled "On a 35 ans!" at Arkéa Arena in Bordeaux, she joined Lara Fabian, Claire Keim, and Nolwenn Leroy to perform "Secret," originally by Louane, as part of the show's medleys aimed at engaging audiences for the cause. However, in 2025, Zaz declined participation due to scheduling conflicts with her tour, though she expressed continued support for the charity via social media calls for donations. Beyond Les Enfoirés, Zaz has lent her talents to various other benefit concerts addressing humanitarian and health-related causes. In October 2021, she performed at the 10th edition of "Leurs Voix pour l'Espoir," a gala at the Olympia in Paris benefiting the ARCAD foundation, which funds cancer research and support for patients. Her appearance underscored her commitment to health advocacy, joining other artists in a lineup that raised awareness and funds for oncology initiatives. In March 2023, amid the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Zaz took part in the "Unis face au séisme" telethon concert broadcast live from the Olympia, where she delivered an emotional cover of Céline Dion's "S'il suffisait d'aimer" to aid relief efforts. Organized by France Télévisions in collaboration with humanitarian organizations, the event featured performers like Gims and Laurent Voulzy, generating substantial donations for emergency response and reconstruction. Earlier in her career, Zaz supported international disaster relief through performances at benefit events. In April 2011, shortly after the Tōhoku earthquake and Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, she joined a ensemble of French and Japanese artists—including Jane Birkin—for a charity concert in Paris, which helped channel funds to affected communities through cultural solidarity. These engagements reflect Zaz's broader philanthropic ethos, focusing on performances that amplify voices for the vulnerable while aligning with her advocacy for social equity and environmental causes.

Social and environmental initiatives

In 2015, Zaz launched Zazimut, a charitable foundation designed to foster a society more respectful of life in all its forms by supporting local social and environmental initiatives through her musical career. The project operates by inviting one or two non-profit associations per concert venue to set up stands, engage with audiences, and receive proceeds from merchandising sales, which have funded causes ranging from education and support for orphaned children in Russia to community aid in Brazilian favelas. By 2015, Zazimut had built a network of 30 NGOs across 12 countries, with fans encouraged to nominate ethical projects via social media, amplifying local solidarity and ecological efforts.[50][51] Zazimut maintains strong ties to environmental activism, particularly through partnerships with the Colibris movement, co-founded by philosopher Pierre Rabhi to promote agroecology and sustainable living; donations from Zaz's derivative products directly support Colibris' initiatives for biodiversity preservation and responsible consumption.[51][52] This commitment extends to her performances, such as a 2012 unplugged concert on Mont Blanc as part of the MAMMUT 150 Peaks Project, which raised awareness for alpine environmental protection.[53] In 2017, Zaz co-founded the Crussol Festival in Ardèche, France, an eco-citizen event blending music, debates, and community workshops to rethink humanity's relationship with nature and society. Held at the historic Château de Crussol site for audiences of up to 5,000, the festival integrates sustainable practices like waste reduction and local sourcing, with merchandising profits directed to partner associations such as Colibris for ecological projects.[54] The event was held annually from 2017 to 2024. Recognized as Europe's "most green festival" in 2023, it exemplifies Zaz's vision of "useful" tours that prioritize planetary health and social equity, though the 2025 edition was postponed to 2026 due to financial difficulties.[54][55][56] Zaz further advanced these themes with her 2022 Organique Tour, conceptualized as an invitation to an environmentally conscious world, featuring organic production elements and continued support for Zazimut-backed causes to minimize ecological footprints while promoting convivial, human-scale experiences.[36] Through these efforts, Zaz has consistently used her platform to drive tangible change, motivating her audience toward greater responsibility and interconnectedness.[52]

Awards and nominations

Major awards

Zaz has received several prestigious accolades throughout her career, recognizing her breakthrough success and international appeal. In 2011, she won the Victoire de la Musique for Original Song of the Year for her debut single "Je veux," a public-voted award highlighting the track's cultural impact as an anti-materialism anthem.[57] That same year, Zaz was honored with the European Border Breakers Award (EBBA), which celebrates emerging European artists achieving breakthrough success beyond their home country, marking her as one of ten recipients for her rapid rise in international charts.[58] Her growing global presence was further acknowledged in 2015 when she received the ECHO Pop Award for Best International Female Rock/Pop Artist for her album Paris, a tribute to French chanson traditions that solidified her status in the German music market.[59] In 2025, Zaz was appointed Chevalier de l'ordre national du Mérite for her contributions to French music.[60] These wins, spanning French, European, and German honors, underscore Zaz's blend of jazz-infused pop and her ability to resonate across borders, though she has primarily earned nominations in subsequent years at events like the World Music Awards.[59]

Notable nominations

Zaz has received several high-profile nominations throughout her career, particularly in recognition of her breakthrough hits and albums that blended French chanson with jazz and soul influences. These nominations highlight her international appeal and critical acclaim in both French and global music circles. In 2012, Zaz was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique, France's premier music awards, competing against Catherine Ringer, Camille, and Nolwenn Leroy. This recognition came on the heels of her debut album's success with the single "Je veux," underscoring her rapid rise as a new voice in French pop.[61] She earned another nomination in the same category at the 2016 Victoires de la Musique, facing Yael Naim and Véronique Sanson, in acknowledgment of her live performances and the album Recto Verso. This nod reflected her sustained popularity and stage presence following international tours.[62] Zaz's most extensive set of nominations came at the 2014 World Music Awards, where she received six honors, including World's Best Female Artist, World's Best Live Act, World's Best Album for Recto Verso, World's Best Song for "Je veux," World's Best Video for "On n'ira pas," and Best Entertainer of the Year. These nominations celebrated her global breakthrough and the album's commercial impact, with over a million copies sold worldwide.
YearAwardCategoryWorkResult
2012Victoires de la MusiqueFemale Artist of the YearN/ANominated[61]
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best Female ArtistN/ANominated
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best Live ActN/ANominated
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best AlbumRecto VersoNominated
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best Song"Je veux"Nominated
2014World Music AwardsWorld's Best Video"On n'ira pas"Nominated
2014World Music AwardsBest Entertainer of the YearN/ANominated
2016Victoires de la MusiqueFemale Artist of the YearN/ANominated[62]
2019Napoli Film FestivalBest Music Video"J'ai deux amours"Nominated[63]

Discography

Studio albums

Zaz has released six studio albums since her debut in 2010, blending French pop, jazz, and chanson influences. Her discography reflects her evolution from intimate acoustic arrangements to more expansive productions, often achieving commercial success in France and Europe.
TitleRelease dateLabel(s)
Zaz10 May 2010Play On, Sony Music
Recto Verso10 May 2013Play On, Sony Music
Paris10 November 2014Jo & Co, Play On, Warner Music France
Effet Miroir16 November 2018Jo & Co, Play On, Warner Music France
Isa22 October 2021Parlophone
Sains et saufs19 September 2025Tôt ou Tard
Her debut album Zaz topped the French Albums Chart and was certified diamond for sales exceeding 500,000 units in France. Recto Verso also peaked at number two on the French charts, earning platinum certification. Paris peaked at number two in France and included covers of classic French songs. Effet Miroir peaked at number five on the French Albums Chart, showcasing a mix of original tracks and collaborations. Isa, named after her real first name Isabelle, featured guest appearances including Rammstein's Till Lindemann and peaked at number two in France. The latest release, Sains et saufs, entered the French charts at number three shortly after its launch.

Live albums and compilations

Zaz has released two live albums, both capturing the energetic performances from her international tours and showcasing her fusion of jazz, soul, and French chanson influences in a concert setting. These releases highlight her vocal prowess and audience interaction, with recordings drawn from key European and global shows. Her debut live album, Sans tsu tsou, was recorded during her 2011 European tour supporting her self-titled debut studio album and released on November 21, 2011, by Play On Records (a Sony Music imprint).[64] The album features live renditions of all 11 tracks from her 2010 debut, including hits like "Je veux" and "Les passants," alongside five newly recorded songs such as "J'aime à nouveau" and "Dans mon café." Clocking in at over 77 minutes across 16 tracks, it emphasizes Zaz's raw, acoustic-driven style and received positive reviews for preserving the intimacy of her stage presence. The second live album, Sur la route, arrived on October 30, 2015, via Play On / Warner Music France, documenting selections from her 2014-2015 world tour promoting the Recto Verso and Paris studio albums.[65] This 11-track release, often bundled with a DVD of live footage, includes dynamic performances of songs like "On ira," "Éblouie par la nuit," and "Paris," blending upbeat folk-pop with emotional ballads over 46 minutes.[66] Critics noted its vibrant energy and Zaz's ability to adapt her material for live audiences, further solidifying her reputation as a compelling performer.[67] Zaz has not released any official compilation albums to date, with her discography primarily consisting of studio and live works that collectively represent her career highlights through individual releases.

Singles

Zaz's singles discography reflects her evolution from a breakout jazz-infused pop artist to a versatile performer incorporating global influences, with releases spanning French chanson, covers, and collaborations. Her debut single "Je veux," released on May 10, 2010, via Play On, served as the lead track from her self-titled album and became a defining hit, critiquing consumer society while showcasing her raw vocal style; it peaked at number 34 on the French Singles Chart and charted for 27 weeks.[68] Follow-up singles from the same album, such as "Le long de la route" (September 13, 2010, peaking at 62) and "La fée" (February 14, 2011, peaking at 40), further established her presence on the charts, emphasizing acoustic and narrative-driven songs.[69][70] Subsequent releases demonstrated Zaz's chart momentum and stylistic range. "Éblouie par la nuit" (November 7, 2011), a cover of an Izia Higelin song, reached number 13 in France over 41 weeks, highlighting her interpretive skills.[71] From her 2013 album Recto Verso, "On ira" (March 11, 2013) achieved a peak of 12 and 57 weeks on the chart, becoming one of her most enduring tracks with its optimistic, travel-themed lyrics.[72] "Si" (October 14, 2013) followed at number 34 for 23 weeks, blending soulful elements.[73] The 2014 album Paris yielded singles like "Paris sera toujours Paris" (September 15, 2014, peaking at 48), a nod to classic French cabaret.[74] Zaz's later singles often featured collaborations and thematic depth. "Si jamais j'oublie" (October 9, 2015) from the live album Sur la route peaked at 11 over 32 weeks, underscoring her live performance prowess.[75] A cover of Daniel Balavoine's "Tous les cris les S.O.S." (December 7, 2015) reached 16 for 21 weeks, tying into environmental advocacy.[76] From Effet Miroir (2018), "Qué vendrá" (September 7, 2018), co-written with a Cuban influence, marked her exploration of Latin rhythms.[77] Tracks like "Demain c'est toi" (November 2, 2018) and "Nos vies" (June 21, 2019) continued this introspective vein.[77] In the 2020s, Zaz's singles incorporated more personal and global elements. "Imagine" (July 28, 2021) from Isa reinterpreted the John Lennon classic, while "Le jardin des larmes" (December 17, 2021), a duet with Rammstein's Till Lindemann, peaked at 169 and blended French and German lyrics for a dramatic effect.[77] Her 2025 releases from the album Sains et saufs include "Je pardonne" and "Sains et saufs," both issued on March 18, 2025, focusing on themes of forgiveness and resilience.[11] "Cerca de Ti (Mon amour)," released June 17, 2025, as a bilingual track, further expanded her international appeal with Spanish elements.[78] The following table summarizes select major singles, highlighting peak positions on the French Singles Chart where applicable:
YearTitleAlbumPeak (France)Label
2010Je veuxZaz34Play On
2010Le long de la routeZaz62Sony
2011La féeZaz40Play On
2011Éblouie par la nuitZaz13Play On
2013On iraRecto Verso12Play On
2013SiRecto Verso34Play On
2014Paris sera toujours ParisParis48Play On
2015Si jamais j'oublieSur la route11Play On
2015Tous les cris les S.O.S.N/A (single)16Capitol
2018Qué vendráEffet Miroir—Play On
2021Le jardin des larmes (with Till Lindemann)Isa169Parlophone
2025Sains et saufsSains et saufs—VF Musiques
2025Je pardonneSains et saufs—VF Musiques
2025Cerca de Ti (Mon amour)Sains et saufs—VF Musiques
Note: Dashes indicate no peak position listed on French charts as of November 2025; many singles achieved strong streaming performance internationally.[77][11][78]

References

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