Zaz

There are voices you recognize instantly. Isabelle Geffroy, better known as Zaz, has one of those. Sometimes raw, sometimes gentle, with an energy that moves effortlessly between chanson, pop, and jazz. An artist who made her way from the streets of Montmartre to the world’s biggest stages—and has always remained true to herself.

Born on May 1, 1980, in Tours, her musical talent emerged early: at the age of seven, she took second place in a radio competition. Later, she studied music in Bordeaux and performed with the Latin-rock band Don Diego, which led her to a festival appearance in Angoulême. The stage became her home. After an intense period at the Parisian cabaret Les trois maillets, where she performed up to five hours a day, her career took off. On the streets of the artists’ quarter Montmartre, she met producer Kerredine Soltani—the beginning of a success story. Together they wrote “Je veux,” a song that would define her debut album “Zaz.” Released in 2010, it reached number one on the charts in France and became a hit in Germany as well.

Her musical success continued unabated. Two Echo nominations, the European Border Breakers Award, and live albums followed. She literally reached new heights when, in 2012, she climbed Mont Blanc with two musicians to perform “Je veux” unplugged there—a symbolic moment captured in a film co-produced by ZDF and Arte. Social activism is also part of Zaz’s life: She supports the Colibri movement founded by Pierre Rabhi, which advocates for a more sustainable social model.

With albums like “Recto verso” (2013), “Paris” (2014)—a tribute to the City of Love—and “Effet miroir” (2018), she repeatedly demonstrated her versatility. After a three-year hiatus, her album “Isa” was released in 2021. In 2025, Zaz returned to the stage: In September, she celebrated her big comeback with her new album “Sains et saufs,” followed by a sold-out tour of Germany this December. Zaz herself says about her music: “Abroad, people often tell me that while they don’t understand me, they still get my message.” It is this blend of voice, energy, and emotion that touches her audience worldwide. And fans here in Germany have something to look forward to: After her current tour, Zaz will return to Germany next summer for ten special open-air shows in July and August—with all the passion that has made her such a distinctive artist.