As Sheila approaches her 80th birthday, she remains vibrant and energetic, discussing her upcoming album and reflecting on her illustrious career in a recent interview. She candidly addresses the grief from losing her son in 2017, emphasizing her belief in reincarnation as a source of comfort. Supported by her band H-Taag, Sheila conveys a hopeful message about creating a positive future, encouraging others to focus on growth rather than dwelling on the past.
As the iconic singer Sheila approaches her milestone 80th birthday this year, she continues to capture attention with her vibrant spirit and unwavering energy. In a revealing interview with Télé 7 Jours on March 31, 2025, Sheila discusses her upcoming album set for release in April and reflects on her remarkable career, which shows no signs of slowing down. She also bravely shares some of the more challenging moments in her life, including the heartbreaking loss of her only son, Ludovic Chancel.
Navigating Grief: Sheila’s Determination to Pursue Her Passion
In her candid conversation with Télé 7 Jours, Sheila opens up about the profound impact of her son’s passing in 2017. At the time of this tragic event, she was collaborating with guitarist Éric Azhar from the band H-Taag, with whom she had a deep connection. They had planned to perform at the Alhambra, a renowned venue in Paris, when she received the devastating news. Although Éric offered to cancel their performance out of compassion, Sheila was resolute: *’If you want me to die, yes, we stop everything. If you want me to continue living, we don’t stop,’* she shared, emphasizing her commitment to her career.
While some critics suggested that Sheila was moving on too quickly, she clarified her feelings during the interview: *’I became a single mother, a mother who had lost her child. What saved me is that I believe in reincarnation.’* Her belief that her son remains with her in spirit has been a source of comfort, as she expressed in a previous interview: *’My son, he is in my house, he is here. I talk to him.’*
Support from H-Taag: Sheila’s Path Forward
Sheila attributes her ability to continue her musical journey to the steadfast support she has received from her bandmates. She feels a strong sense of belonging within H-Taag, stating, *’This period of my life, during which Éric and the boys from H-Taag were there for me, brought us much closer.’* This camaraderie has played a crucial role in helping her navigate the challenges of grief.
With a heart full of hope and enthusiasm, Sheila conveys an inspiring message to her fans: *’It is important to tell people that the future is what we create. That there is always hope and no prohibitions.’* She expresses her frustration with those who dwell on excuses, reminding everyone that the choice to age gracefully or project optimism into the future lies within each individual. For Sheila, the journey continues, filled with new projects, as she refuses to be bound by *’the past and nostalgia.’*