When Valerie Chane Tef performs outside her native island of Reunion, a tiny dot in the Indian Ocean, the audience often finds it a challenge to gauge her music. The vocalist and pianist, who sings in Reunion Creole, assures us that it’s barely a barrier — “Music is a conduit of words and emotions; it speaks for itself. Instead of erecting barriers, it acts as a bridge for emotions to flow freely.” Ahead of her performance at Mumbai Jazz Festival with her newly formed band Ter Laba consisting of pianist Flo Vincenot and percussionist Arjuna Mariapin, the artiste offers a glimpse of her musical journey.

Arjuna Mariapin in performance