Valerie Chan Teff of Akoda | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“My set list is a mix of songs from my latest album and the album before that, but I also have a new song,a cadeau “It is a gift to the people of India,” says Valerie Chan Teff from Akoda, a band on Réunion Island.

Titled ‘Bal Zetwal’, Valerie’s ode to India is in sync with her ethos towards world music and culture. Akoda itself is the name of a deity in the Yoruba religion. “Reunion Island is a mix of four religions and four cultures – Indian, Chinese, French and African – and that’s what my music is about. It’s a mix too. I compose music because I want to put all my experiences, influences and inspirations into music,” says Valerie.

Though this is her third visit to India, Valerie, who was here for the Fête de la Musique’s World Music Day celebrations, was in Bengaluru for the first time. And though the traffic is “terrible”, she says the Indian Music Experience Museum is “just amazing.”

Valerie, along with percussionist Eric Perez and bassist Thomas Bode, are in Akoda – known for their unique rendition of Jazz Creole.

Eric Perez, Valerie and Thomas Bode | Photo credit: special arrangement

“It was important for me to share my music with the public,” says the musician, who was around 23 when she made the conscious decision to start performing on stage.

“I started playing the piano at the age of seven, practicing classical music. When I was studying at the University of Bordeaux in France, I fell in love with the sound of jazz.”

“Then I realised I wanted to play jazz too. My teacher was from Madagascar and from him, as well as from my first tour in Morocco with musicians from South America, I learnt about world music,” she says.

Despite being exposed to global influences, Valerie remains connected to her culture. “I sing in Creole, which is my own language and it has been an essential part of my journey as a musician. I only started adding words to my music four years ago because I wanted to talk about myself.”

Furthermore, there are not many Creole singers on the world stage.

And though most of her songs are about that eternal inspiration, love, Valerie says, “Love is also about my family, humanity, my experiences with people. I share what I see in my everyday life through song.”

Talking about the musicians on her show in India, she says, “Although I met them recently, we share the same vibe; it’s important to be in sync with your bandmates when you’re performing. We have that harmony.” She adds that Eric is a renowned drummer who has worked with some of France’s top jazz names, while Thomas “though he’s quite young” has a lot of experience on stage as he is “passionate and mature about music.”

Valerie, who performs with many French musicians, says pop and rock have always been well received, but this has not been the case for jazz, which has always had a limited following. Her musical tastes range from traditional music by Daniel Varo and Ziskakun to contemporary musicians like Billie Eilish, Portugal’s Margot Reisinger, Cuban pianist Omar Sosa and, of course, the all-time greats – Mike Davis, John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald.

“I love world music and it shows in my work. I think that’s why India loves my music. It’s a big country with a lot of diversity and yet people are able to connect with each other.”

Eric Perez, Valerie and Thomas Bode | Photo credit: special arrangement

And like a certain Miss Congeniality, Valerie is convinced that the world needs peace. “We have to share and live together because I believe our power is in togetherness. If we live apart we are nothing.”

Valerie says she believes in sharing her music with like-minded people and is keen to collaborate with Indian artists as well as teach interested people. She can be contacted at kanaljazz.contact@gmail.com or artministration.booking@gmail.com.