25-year-old French singer-songwriter Jain has been topping European charts with her debut album Zanaka, which went platinum in France a short couple months after its release. Her single “Come” hit No. 1 after her show-stopping performance at the French Grammy’s, and it charted in Belgium, Poland, German, Italy and Spain.

Part of her appeal itself comes from being internationally influenced herself. She’s traveled and lived all over, growing up in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Republic of the Congo. The fresh, eclectic pop of Zanaka is clearly is imbued with African rhythm and percussion. Her album title means “child” in Malagasy (the language of Madagascar), a nod to her Franco-Malgasy mother. She also honors Makeba, legendary South African singer and activist, in her single of the same name.

Jain is touring with another French artist, Christine, and the Queens. She’s already made her late-night debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and is playing SXSW this week.

In the mix of cultures that makes her music stick so well, it’s the percussive dance beat and silvery vocals that shine through. Says Jain:

It’s strange when you move to different countries, particularly when you’re young. You’re struck by all these new sounds. I was fascinated by the different rhythms in the music. In Congo, it’s not binary, but three time. I like to be spontaneous when I make music. I begin with beats or drums, because that’s what moves me and if I find a sound that reminds me of traditional music I’ll use it, whether it’s Arabic, Indian, African or European. I like to mix styles and cultures, to get lost in a big mess of music. Then I add lyrics about whatever’s in my mind at the time.

Catch Jain live inside Levi’s Lounge March 24th for a KFOG Private Concert!