Angélique Kidjo – Forever Young

Angélique Kidjo is a Grammy Award-winning Beninese singer, songwriter, and activist, known for her powerful voice, eclectic musical style, and commitment to social issues. Angélique Kidjo was born on July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Benin (then known as Dahomey). She grew up in a musically rich environment, with her father being a musician and her mother a choreographer.

Kidjo’s early exposure to music came from traditional Beninese music, as well as American and European pop and rock. In the late 1970s, she joined the band Jasper Van’t Hof’s Pili Pili, which fused jazz, pop, and African music. Kidjo gained international attention with her solo career in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Her album “Logozo” (1991) marked a significant breakthrough and showcased her diverse musical influences.

In 1983, Kidjo moved to Paris to pursue her music career further and escape political turmoil in Benin. Her time in Paris allowed her to collaborate with various musicians and explore different musical genres. Angélique Kidjo’s music incorporates a wide range of influences, including traditional African rhythms, Caribbean music, jazz, funk, and salsa. She gained widespread recognition for her energetic and socially conscious performances.

Kidjo has been a vocal advocate for various social causes, including education, women’s rights, and health issues. She served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has been involved in numerous philanthropic activities.

Angélique Kidjo has won multiple Grammy Awards for her albums, including “Djin Djin” (2008), “Eve” (2014), and “Celia” (2020). Her Grammy-winning albums showcase her ability to blend different musical styles while maintaining a strong African identity. Some of her notable albums include “Logozo” (1991), “Djin Djin” (2007), “Eve” (2014), and “Celia” (2019).

Kidjo’s influence extends beyond her music; she is celebrated for promoting African culture globally and breaking down cultural barriers. Angélique Kidjo continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, known for her vibrant performances, powerful voice, and commitment to using her platform for positive change.

A very powerful vocalist, an enigmatic persona, Angélique Kidjo has transcended music into becoming a beacon of women empowerment. She has cut across ages and nationality and still actively showcases her talent with recent feature with Stonebwoy making her a legend across time.