Angélique Kidjo does not only entertain her audiences but also uses her voice to bring about positive change in her society and beyond.
Hailing from Benin, West Africa, Angélique Kidjo has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique blend of African rhythms, jazz, funk, and soul.
This five-time Grammy Award winner and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002 is known for her ability to sing in five different languages, possibly because of her culturally diversified background.
Kidjo's voice and her passionate advocacy for women and children in Africa have made her a global personality. She earned her accolades, such as "Africa's premier diva" from Time Magazine, using her platform to drive positive change.
Summary
- Angélique Kidjo is a well-known singer, songwriter, and activist from Benin.
- Blending African rhythms with Western genres, she has redefined world music and earned titles like "Africa's premier diva."
- With a career spanning decades, Kidjo has released numerous critically acclaimed albums, won multiple Grammy Awards, and collaborated with international music icons.
- Beyond music, she is a passionate humanitarian. She served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation to empower African women and girls.
Angélique Kidjo’s Early Life, Education, and Marriage
Born on July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Benin, Angélique Kidjo had access to music from a tender age. Her Mother, who happened to be a theater director, provided an artistic environment.
By age six, Kidjo was already performing on stage with her mother's theater troupe, honing her dance and performance skills. Her first appearance on stage was when a little girl who was supposed to play a role she later played was sick and couldn't act.
Despite her obvious talent for performing, Kidjo initially aspired to become a human rights lawyer. She embarked on a legal studies path, but the pull of music was too strong to ignore. While working various jobs to support her studies, she enrolled in the CIM, a renowned jazz school in Paris.
While studying in Paris, Kidjo met Jean Hebrail, a talented musician and producer. Their shared passion for music grew into a romantic relationship, resulting in their marriage in 1987.
Angélique Kidjo’s Music Career
Kidjo’s music career gained significant momentum with the release of her album "Pretty" in 1981. This began a prolific discography that would span decades, showcasing her evolution as an artist. Her ability to seamlessly incorporate elements of R&B, funk, and jazz into her African roots has earned her the title of "Africa's premier diva" by Time magazine.
Beyond her musical prowess, Kidjo is also a gifted songwriter. Her lyrics often carry profound messages of social and political significance, making her music a powerful tool for change.
Kidjo’s influence extends beyond the music world. Though her acting roles are not as extensive as her musical career, they have further solidified her status as a multifaceted artist. Her on-screen presence complements her magnetic stage persona, making her a captivating figure in both the music and entertainment industries.
Angélique Kidjo's career is a living testament to the power of music to transcend borders and connect people. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her ability to blend diverse musical elements, has made her an icon and a global ambassador for African music.
Angélique Kidjo’s Activism Journey
One of Kidjo’s most prominent roles is as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Her work with UNICEF has been instrumental in advocating for children's rights. She has used her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting African children, including education, health, and child labor.
Kidjo has been actively involved in supporting UNICEF's initiatives on the ground, visiting various countries to witness the impact of their work firsthand.
In addition to her work with UNICEF, Kidjo founded the Batonga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African women and girls. The foundation focuses on Education, Healthcare, and economic empowerment, providing access to quality education for girls, Improving maternal and child health, and Supporting women-led businesses.
Over the time, she has also become a vocal advocate for environmental protection and climate action. She has used her platform to raise awareness about climate change and promote sustainable practices.
She does this by highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on Africa and encouraging both individuals and governments to adopt eco-friendly measures.
She has mostly spoken out on issues such as gender equality aimed at promoting women's rights and empowerment and good governance, which she uses to Call for accountable and transparent leadership as well as cultural preservation, protecting Africa's rich cultural heritage.
Angélique Kidjo Discography Highlight
Angélique Kidjo has a rich musical catalog spanning decades. Here's a look at some of her major albums and notable collaborations:
Major Albums
Logozo (1990): A breakthrough album that fused traditional African rhythms with Western pop and jazz.
Ayé (1996): A Grammy Award-winning album that further solidified Kidjo's international reputation.
Black Ivory Soul (2002): A tribute to the influence of African American music on her work.
Djin Djin (2004): A Grammy Award-winning album exploring the rhythms of the Congo Basin.
Eve (2007): An album inspired by the women of Africa.
Ojo (2010): A celebration of African music and culture.
Réakté (2014): A fusion of African and electronic music.
Celia (2019): A tribute to the legendary Cuban singer Celia Cruz.
Mother Nature (2021): An album focused on environmental themes.
Notable Collaborations
Angélique Kidjo has collaborated with a diverse range of artists from around the world, including:
- Bono: Featured on the track "Africa" from the U2 album "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb".
- Carlos Santana: Collaborated on multiple tracks, including "Maria Maria".
- Alicia Keys: Joined forces for the song "We Are the World 25 for Haiti".
- Peter Gabriel: Featured on the track "Sanctuary" from Gabriel's album "Passion: Music for the Last Temptation of Christ".
- Branford Marsalis: Collaborated on several projects, including the album "Ayé".
- Jimmy Buffett: Joined for the song "Banana Boat Song".
- Josh Groban: Featured on the track "Nella Fantasia" from the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack.
- Sting: Collaborated on various projects, including the song "One Fine Day".
- Ziggy Marley: Joined for the song "Jah Jah Children".
- Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Davido: Collaborated on the song "Africa" for the "Lion King: The Gift" album.
This is just a small selection of Kidjo's extensive collaborations. Her ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles, languages, and cultures has made her a unique and influential artist.
Angélique Kidjo Awards and Recognition
Angélique Kidjo is a global music icon whose talent and humanitarian efforts have earned her a plethora of prestigious awards and accolades.
She has earned Five Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary World Music in these Albums Djin Djin (2007), Eve (2008), Sings (2015), Celia (2016), and Mother Nature (2020)
Other Notable Awards and Honors include the Polar Music Prize (2023), the Vilcek Prize in Music (2023), the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award (2016), the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum (2015), the German Sustainability Award (2018), and Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People (2021).
She was named "Africa's premier diva" by Time Magazine, Included in the BBC's list of the continent's 50 most iconic figures, listed as one of The Guardian's Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World and ranked as the first woman on Forbes Magazine's list of the Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa.
Conclusion
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Kidjo's commitment to social justice and her continuous advocacy for women and children in Africa have made her a role model for millions.
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and the founder of the Batonga Foundation, she has demonstrated her dedication to improving the lives of those in need.
Angélique Kidjo's legacy is one of artistic brilliance and humanitarian compassion. Her music continues to inspire and uplift, while her activism serves as a source of hope for a brighter future. As she continues to break new ground and defy expectations, there is no doubt that her impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.