That takes a toll on the mental health of an artiste – It’s traumatic and I have had this experience six years ago. When a big label signs an artiste, they don’t take much time to kick them out of the label once the work is done. I am an independent artiste and for me, it’s important to take time and work on myself, my music. Why did you take your time to release new music? You’ve already released an album in 2015, but it took you nearly four years to release another bigger project. By becoming an independent artist and using the power of songwriting to overcome barriers, I lead a path for other women with the message – Be exactly who you are. I sing for my generation and the generations to follow. I create my label and I am an independent artiste – There’s a lot of work but I like it that way.

I want to share the message of peace, love, inclusivity, and self-acceptance with my audience. I love myself and that’s what my music is all about. How did you find your way in music? How do you stay motivated?

Here, in her first English-speaking interview, Yseult opens up to Outlook’s Eshita Bhargava about music, discrimination, how it feels to be a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, and her plans to expand her music internationally. Eventually, she broke her contract and realised her passion for independent music and in 2019, she explored a more sensuous trap-beat sound, delivering intimate confrontations through her lyrics that truly struck a chord with the world. Raised in the Bercy neighbourhood of Paris by Cameroonian parents, the 26-year-old first entered the spotlight in 2013 on French singing competition Nouvelle Star where she was a finalist, ultimately signing with a major label.

The French singer Yseult has proven that with her songs that talk about empowerment, her skin, body positivity, family and vulnerabilities we all have in ourselves. It’s not important to understand a language to feel a deep emotional connection to music.

Bole chudiya bole kagana