Of African artists, Angelique Kidjo is not a strange name neither is it unknown in the global music industry.
Angelique Kidjo hails from Ouidah, Benin. Her mother was a choreographer and her father a musician which makes us conclude that the musical trait was genetically passed down to Kidjo. She started her singing career at a very early age and at the age of 20, she was already a professional singer. She is married to Jean Hebrail, who is a producer and whom she met in the music industry too. Their union is blessed with Naima Hebrail Kidjo who was born in the year 1999.
One unique characteristics of Angelique Kidjo's songs is the vivacity and her African culture reflection. Everytime! The languages, the lyrics and even down to her costumes reflect Africans and their culture. Her passion for bringing Africa to the fore is infused in her music. Her music particularly focuses on Africa.
In a recent interview with smooth FM, Angelique Kidjo said her origin is from Iseyin, Oyo State. She also has great interest in African women. That is proved by her words "the women of Africa are the backbone of this continent and they are beautiful. So,I want the world to see that"
She has on several occasions collaborated with African musicians such as Mr. Eazi, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Salif Keita,etc. She also sang with popular actresses such as Asa, John Legend. Her first ever-released album was "Pretty" which was recorded in 1988 and has since then, released more powerful albums which fit for contest in the Grammy award. Speaking of Grammy award, Angelique Kidjo's albums have had 12 nominations and 4wins. That's fantastic!
🌈"Mother Nature" won the best global music album in 2022
🌈"DJIN DJIN" won the best contemporary world album in 2008
🌈"EVE" won the best world music album in 2015
🌈"Angelique sings Orchestra...." won the the best world music album in 2016
Her most recent won Grammy award for the album "Mother Nature" caused a controversy as the fans of her fellow nominee, Wizkid throws shade and felt unjust about the award but however, we believe the Grammy knows the criteria for grading the albums for winning award. Her album remains the award-winning for the best global music album at the 2022 edition.
The African singer is multilingual. Her languages of fluency include French, Yoruba,Fon and English Language asides her native language.
Asides music, Kidjo has a keen interest in advocating for children and women and this drives her to being an ambassador at OXFAM and UNICEF. She has also produced several songs to support these organizations to help children.
She has her own foundation "Batonga" which was birthed out of her witnessing her friends' experience into being forced into life decisions contradicting their rights, wellbeing, and their dreams. The foundation aims to equip the hardest-to-reach girls between the age of 11 and 19, and young women between the age of 18 and 31. Batonga has since its inception reached out to girl and young women and has transformed "their potential to power" according to the foundation's mantra.
Angelique Kidjo is an inspiration to all young-rising African artists out there to showcase our culture and bring Africa to the fore. Indeed, Angelique Kidjo has set the pace.
