On this night of September 18th 2025, after 13 long years of anticipation, the dazzling diva Kaya finally returned to Paris for a rare and intimate concert, performing his solo works. The event, one of his two European dates (the other taking place in Finland), was sold out in a few days.
The queue on the front of the extravagant venue, le Zèbre de Belleville, known for its unique decor, is full of gothic lolita fashionistas mingled with queer fans wearing decora or other bold styles, with some pride flags proudly showing on their backpacks or outfits.
Once the doors opened for VIP guests, lines naturally formed for the merch and the meet&greet. Kaya appeared in the venue in his iconic Chocolat MV dress, took pictures with the guests upstairs, and then vanished between the curtains of the stage to let his opening act begin the show.
Opening for Kaya was La Briochée, a transgender drag queen known from Drag Race France season 1, a member of the famed Cabaret Madame Arthur and a long-time fan of Kaya. They met in Japan for a common show with Madame Arthur in 2024, La Briochée was singing Chocolat from Kaya, and he decided to join her for an impromptu duet, sealing their artistic bond.
La Briochée with “the best buns in France” really lit up the room with her vibrant energy, performing various songs, covers and originals, showing her versatility with French and Japanese music, from Pauline Lafont’s Privée d’épices to Takanashi Yôko’s A Cruel Angel’s Thesis (song which the audience sang along with her). She was really moved to feel she belonged with the right audience, cheering on her as loud as possible! And of course, she confessed how Kaya helped her going through high school, discovering her queerness and “saving her life”.
La Briochée’s Setlist :
1. Senaka made wa 500 miles (Cover)
2. Privée d’épices (Cover)
3. Corps transcendé (Original)
4. A Cruel Angel’s Thesis (Cover)
5. Bi Panic (Original)
Speaking of the Diva, La Briochée slipped away to let the moment everyone was waiting for : Kaya, which made a magnificent entrance on Transmigration.
The room erupted as fans danced and sang along to the euphoric electro-pop anthem, setting the tone for a night filled with dazzling, high-energy tracks.
Yggdrasil and SODOMY followed, each accompanied by Kaya’s flawless choreography.
The Diva then spoke to the audience about how happy he is to finally be back in France after so many years! Then, he performed short versions of Ophelia and Marionetto. When Chocolat began, the audience erupted once more, especially since Kaya was dressed in the outfit from the music video.
Keeping the festive spirit alive, Kaya delivered MONDAY MONDAY and FABULOUS short renditions, two of his most queer songs of the set, before shifting into a darker atmosphere with Malefica.
With the help of a live interpreter, the second MC was easier to understand for everyone.
Kaya shared how touched he was that the show sold out so quickly, and he definitely wants to come back to France soon. He also shared his concerns for the fans’ mental health, since they requested so many melancholic songs on his songs requests posts on social media from his discography, and cheered them up gently by telling them to “think about him when they feel bad or sad”.
He then performed Memento Mori followed by a medley of “melancholic songs as requested”, consisting of Villain, remains of mind, Hannya, Villain (return), and Walküre, while mingling with the crowd on occasion, and performing very raw vocals with strong facial expressions and movements.
The intensity climaxed with Kaya’s very famous song SALOME, which he performs solo and with his band Femme Fatale. The audience couldn’t resist singing along again, which seemed to please Kaya a lot.
Rose Jail concluded the “melancholic section” of songs, and Kaya announced his last song for the day, Glitter Arch, a very joyful track, and Kaya vanished behind the curtains of the stage.
Of course the crowd demanded an encore, and Kaya returned on stage with La Briochée for a sweet and playful duet on Chocolat, their chemistry radiating across the venue. They embraced warmly and talked before The pièce de résistance of the evening : Edith Piaf’s Hymne à l’amour (Ai no sanka). A poignant choice for a Parisian finale. The song brought tears to many eyes, leaving the room suspended in emotion.
With the last powerful notes of Kaya’s voice and a final and very warm salute to the audience, the show ended. Fans lingered in the venue, chatting excitedly, taking photos and sharing moments with La Briochée before leaving le Zèbre de Belleville.
And the good news? Kaya has already expressed on X (formerly Twitter) his wish to return in 2026 for a European tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of his solo career!
We cannot wait to see him again in Europe.
La Briochée Instagram
Live Reporter: Hiroki
