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This Saturday, February 15, artist Stella offers a concert in the world of Edith Piaf at the Anglican Church. An unusual register for the singer who never ceases to innovate.
On Saturday evening, the inhabitants of Saint-Barth will be able to discover the singer Stella in a completely different register. Instead of jazz or soul, the Saint-Barth-born artist is offering a concert in the world of Edith Piaf. "I'd been thinking about it for a while, her lyrics are timeless and her interpretations pierce me," she confides. More accustomed to performing as a guitar/voice duo, this time Stella will be accompanied by pianist Pierre Bauzerand, as well as violinist Ombeline Collin, with whom she regularly collaborates. At Gustavia's Anglican Church, Stella plans to deliver a variety of interpretations of Edith Piaf's repertoire. A rather audacious challenge. It's going to allow people to discover me in a different way," Stella says impatiently. I'll be able to show all my vulnerability, that's the challenge. "
A fan of Céline Dion
The 34-year-old artist hasn't always been a big fan of the Mome, however. She was still a teenager when her father gave her an Edith Piaf CD and introduced her to her world. Stella makes no secret of her disappointment: in her headphones she listens more to rap, RnB or pop greats such as Céline Dion or Lara Fabian. "My ears have been shaped by divas," she laughs. The cause? Her grandmother who, after discovering her passion for singing, regularly sent her parcels from France filled with cassettes. But at the time, Stella dreaded performing in front of an audience, even her own parents. She practiced her passion out of sight, locked away in her room, with her tube of glue as a microphone. "I was very shy and modest," confides the artist. But in a corner of her mind, the little girl was already imagining herself as a singer. "I kind of put that dream on hold," says Stella, who first tried a few months at university, then trained to become a flight attendant.
Training in musical theatre
There's no denying that Stella loves to travel. As a child, she used to lean out of her window, imagining what might be happening outside this little island. Her desire to discover the world first took her to Uruguay, where she met a group of rappers. They invited her to record a few tracks in the studio. I felt immense joy," enthuses Stella. I told myself that this was what I wanted to do. "Later, friends and family introduced her to musical theatre groups. But her mother had one requirement: Stella had to obtain a 2-year higher education diploma before embarking on her artistic career. With her BTS in tourism in hand, Stella finally launched herself into the world of show business. She spent two years training in musical comedy at the prestigious Cours Florent school in Paris. Stella became a versatile singer, dancer and actress. "I've learned to interpret texts that aren't my own," she adds. Stella has conquered her fear, and is now able to perform on stage, sometimes in front of hundreds of spectators. The artist was selected to take part in four musicals performed in Paris. They were great experiences," she smiles. For the play La Boule Rouge, for example, there were 21 artists on stage, and there was even a live jazz band! "
"I try to go where the wind takes me".
Even though she has been based in Saint-Barth since 2020, Stella continues to keep an eye on productions in France. She doesn't close the door on a project that might interest her, but she is now devoting herself to her singing. The artist performs one concert after another in Saint-Barth, Guadeloupe and Mallorca, depending on the opportunities available to her. "I try to go where the wind takes me", sums up the singer, who continues to train whenever she gets the chance. Last summer, Stella received an invitation to take part in the Creole Jazz Festival in Guadeloupe (JSB1579). A golden opportunity for the singer, who was able to perform in front of a captivated audience, and meet illustrious artists from the jazz scene. She even had the opportunity to open for Guadeloupean singer Tanya St-Val. I came away with stars in my eyes," she enthuses. Events like this are a boost for the other projects I'm working on. "
An EP in preparation
Constantly evolving, Stella always has a new idea in mind. The latest: the release of her first solo EP. Since July, the artist has been working on this project, which will feature both old and new compositions. "What I feel when I make music is so powerful, I want to share it," she says. Without saying more about the content of this EP, Stella confirms that it is part of her pop and soul universe. Perhaps with a touch of Edith Piaf? Answer in a few weeks.
