Paris – A wave of Taiwanese culture is making its way across the Atlantic, captivating the French public. The unlikely ambassador? Taiwanese general stores, now gracing the cover of jazz musician Estelle perraults (張婷雅) latest album, a project deeply rooted in her Taiwanese heritage.

A Musician’s Journey: From Kaohsiung to parisian Jazz Scene

perrault’s journey is as unique as her music. Raised in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, until the age of six, she later moved to France.At 18,she returned to Taiwan to study law and immerse herself in the local music scene,playing in various bands. This experience proved pivotal, leading to her discovery by a French record company and the launch of her professional music career.

Taiwanese Roots in French Jazz

Perrault,an acclaimed French-Taiwanese jazz singer,recently unveiled her third album in France. the album is a vibrant tapestry of Taiwanese influences, woven into its design, musical style, and lyrical content. The cover art features a photograph taken inside a general store and tailor shop in her hometown of Kaohsiung. This location holds special meaning for Perrault, serving as a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother, who worked as a seamstress.

I am not trying to represent the Taiwanese people, but rather trying to relate to them.

Estelle Perrault (張婷雅)

Family Inspiration and Identity

Perrault’s Taiwanese family remains a constant source of inspiration for her music, even from afar.she is currently crafting a single dedicated to her grandfather, a project that evokes deep emotion. When discussing their relationship and his passing, she became visibly moved.

Her dual identity as a french-Taiwanese individual also fuels her creative process. Her single, I Know You Wish, explores the challenges of navigating a sense of belonging, reflecting on her experiences of feeling like an outsider due to her upbringing.

I hope my listeners can resonate wiht me, and find their stories within my songs.

Estelle Perrault (張婷雅)

Navigating Identity and Expectations

Perrault candidly expresses her concerns about potential criticism, especially regarding her fluency in Mandarin. I cannot change the fact that I am French-Taiwanese, but that does not affect my love for Taiwan, she stated, emphasizing her deep connection to her heritage.

A Flag’s Story: The Republic of Formosa

The album’s back cover features the “Blue Ground Yellow Tiger Flag,” a symbol of the Republic of Formosa, a short-lived republic established in 1895 by Taiwanese gentry to resist Japanese rule. Perrault hopes the flag will spark curiosity among French listeners,providing her with an opportunity to share this frequently enough-overlooked chapter of Taiwanese history.

We are Taiwanese. We have our roots, yet the books rarely talk about our own history, she laments, highlighting the need for greater awareness of Taiwan’s past.

Advocating for Taiwan on the World Stage

As international awareness of the challenges Taiwan faces grows, Perrault uses her platform to advocate for taiwan’s identity and democratic values. She actively discusses these issues during French television appearances and interviews.

While her record company supports her integration of Taiwanese elements, Perrault acknowledges that some Taiwanese individuals have expressed concerns about potential repercussions in the Chinese market or have cautioned her to be less outspoken. Some have even attempted to label her as aligned with specific political factions in Taiwan. Perrault firmly states that her priority is the preservation of Taiwan’s freedom and democratic governance.

I follow what my heart says is true, not the market.

Estelle Perrault (張婷雅)