ZaZa was born in France, raised in Iran, educated in music and stage-designing in Italy, and is now residing in California. ZaZa has been composing, writing and performing since childhood. She speaks English, French, Italian and Persian fluently, and sings in all four languages as well. She has often been invited to sing at festivals and concerts with an international theme.

ZaZa’s mother, Monir Vakili, was Iran’s foremost opera singer. Her album of Persian folk songs("Chants Et Danses De Perse") won highest awards in the World Music category in France. ZaZa calls her music "New World Pop" with an ethnic twist. New, for New Age; World, for world sound; and Pop, for the universal pop base in her songs. To this is added a Middle Eastern flavor.

"Primal Whispers" released in 1992,(Executive Produced by Narada Michael Walden), has won great international acclaim. The song "Papa" won ZaZa prestigious awards. "Mikham Bargardam Iroon"(longing For Persia) has become an anthem for Persians all over the world.

"Nights One And A Thousand"(Executive Produced in part by Narada Michael Walden & Preston Glass) has received an overwhelming response as being a ‘sure winner’! Critics have called it an exotic and mesmerizing journey. Evocative, mystical and deeply haunting, it tells the story of Scheherazade and her thousand and one nights in captivity. ZaZa has given this old traditional tale some surprising twists and turns making this a unique album with songs that are linked by a romantic theme. Both traditional Persian musicians and noted jazz artists (e.g. Peter Apfelbaum) have lent their talents to this new collection of songs with stunning results.

ZaZa ‘s latest project is an adaptation of the epic poem ‘Shahnameh’ (Book of Kings) written by the Persian poet Ferdowsi in the 10th century. ZaZa has worked the stories into songs in English with lush musical arrangements that are unique in style and character, yet evoke the Middle Eastern vibe. More than ever, ZaZa’s work on this album has been compared to that of Loreena McKennitt.

ZaZa has also collaborated with other artists on diverse projects, including a Grammy nominated song titled, ’Catch A Falling Angel’.

 

© 1997 Copyright, Bibi Noor Productions / PHOTOGRAPHY: Tony Metaxas

Ardeshir Farah of Strunz & Farah

"ZaZa is an internationally inspired artist whose music and performance has great emotional depth, ranging from ultra-dramatic songs to joyful songs of celebration."

S.J. Dakota, multi-award winning songwriter (Burt Bacharach, Al Jarreau, Lisa Fischer, Chanice, Tevin Campbell)

"I want the world to know that there is a brilliant artist, composer and singer in the world and her name is ZaZa. A few years ago (a decade) we were inspired to bring to life the story of Scheherazade. Out of this  poignant story came the most soul stirring songs in particular ‘Only You’.

Narada Michael Walden