ZAZ (birth name — Isabelle Geoffroy, fr. Isabelle Geoffroy) is a French singer-songwriter and one of the most recognizable European artists of the 21st century. Her signature style blends folk, jazz, acoustic elements with a street-music aesthetic. ZAZ’s timbre is instantly recognizable — slightly husky, warm, and emotionally “alive.”
Early Life
Isabelle was born on May 1, 1980 in the city of Tours (France) to an energy-sector engineer and a schoolteacher. She has a brother and a sister. Her childhood unfolded in a musical atmosphere — her parents listened to classical music, chanson, and Romani motifs, and she showed vocal talent early on.
At age 9 her parents divorced, which shaped her independence and character. From 1990–1995 Isabelle studied at the Tours Conservatory, where she learned:
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piano,
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violin,
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guitar,
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solfège.
Later, after moving to Bordeaux and leaving school, she received a regional scholarship that allowed her to study at CIAM, a leading contemporary music school in France.
Career Beginnings
In 2001, ZAZ began performing with the blues outfit Fifty Fingers, honing her improvisation skills. She then became the vocalist of Falling Stars, a pop orchestra with which she toured France for two years.
The turning point was the project Don Diego, a Latin-rock group where Isabelle immersed herself in:
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French chanson,
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Spanish music,
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African rhythms,
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Arabic vocal techniques,
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Latin American percussion.
She refined her stagecraft, recorded parts in several languages, and it was during this period that the stage name ZAZ was born.
Origin of the Stage Name
The singer has explained that ZAZ = A-Z and Z-A — a symbol of moving from beginning to end and back again, musical freedom, and the absence of boundaries. The letter “Z” visually and phonetically reflects her edgy, spirited style.
Breakthrough and Global Recognition
In 2009, ZAZ won a young artists’ competition in Paris. This led to a record deal and her debut album «ZAZ» (2010).
The lead single — «Je veux» — instantly became an anthem of freedom, street life, and a rejection of material values.
The song:
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entered the charts in France, Belgium, and Switzerland;
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earned platinum sales;
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became her calling card.
The music video and live performances cemented her image — the smile, streetwise naturalness, and Parisian charm.
In early 2011, national TV channel France 3 and Paris Match named ZAZ “Artist of the Year.”
International Touring
With great success, the singer toured:
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Europe,
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Canada,
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Russia,
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Japan,
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Latin America.
Her concerts combined a jazz band, acoustic arrangements, and improvisation, evoking the feel of a cabaret show.
Musical Style
ZAZ’s authorial formula:
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chanson + Romani folk,
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swing + jazz manouche (gypsy jazz),
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street poetry,
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acoustic ballads.
She is often compared to:
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Édith Piaf,
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Patricia Kaas,
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Caravan Palace (aesthetically).
But Isabelle’s tone is unique — slightly husky, “sandy,” and emotionally effortless.
Discography (Key Releases)
Albums
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2010 — ZAZ — debut, multi-platinum.
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2013 — Recto Verso — broadened sound, international charts.
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2014 — Paris — an homage to Paris with orchestral arrangements.
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2018 — Effet Miroir — more personal writing with electronic touches.
She has also released live recordings, deluxe editions, and concert DVDs.
Hits
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Je veux
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On ira
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Éblouie par la nuit
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Si jamais j’oublie
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La Fée
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Que vendrá
Awards and Achievements
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«Artist of the Year» (France Télévisions, 2011)
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Multi-platinum sales in France, Belgium, and Switzerland
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European Border Breakers Award distinctions
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International chart positions in 20+ countries
Impact and Popularity
ZAZ is regarded as:
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a revitalizer of French chanson for younger audiences,
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the voice of Parisian street culture,
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a French artist with one of the widest touring footprints among her contemporaries.
Her songs are widely used in film, advertising, and travel projects.
Fun Facts
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Before her solo career, ZAZ recorded with jazz trios.
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She loves to improvise on stage — every show sounds different.
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She often performs incognito on the street to “stay grounded.”
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She leads an eco-conscious lifestyle and supports charities.
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She has played major festivals across South America, where «Je veux» became a cult hit.
Persona and Image
Isabelle is often described as:
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free-spirited,
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uninhibited,
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warm and approachable.
On stage she conveys emotion as if singing to each listener personally.
Conclusion
ZAZ is a rare artist who brings together street-level simplicity, jazz freedom, French lyricism, and genuine emotion. Her work transcends genre boundaries, and her concerts turn into living energy and the true art of improvisation.
Today she remains one of France’s most recognizable voices, continues to tour the world, and inspires audiences with music that is honest, vital, and boundless — much like her name.
