Member-only story

The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon: The Journey of Angélique Kidjo

D'Angelo Carter

·18.3k Followers· Follow

Published in Fela: Life And Times Of An African: The Life And Times Of An African Musical Icon

4 min read

45 View Claps

4 Respond

Save

Listen

Angélique Kidjo Performing On Stage Fela: Life And Times Of An African: The Life And Times Of An African Musical Icon

Angélique Kidjo is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, and activist from Benin. She is renowned for her powerful vocals, her fusion of traditional African music with contemporary genres, and her commitment to social justice. Kidjo has been a vocal advocate for women's rights, education, and the fight against poverty.

Early Life and Career

Angélique Kidjo was born in Ouidah, Benin, in 1960. She began singing at a young age, and by the time she was 17, she had won a national talent competition. Kidjo then moved to Paris to pursue her musical career.

Fela: Life And Times Of An African: The Life and Times of an African Musical Icon

by Matt Morris

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6074 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In Paris, Kidjo met producer Chris Blackwell, who signed her to his Island Records label. Kidjo's debut album, Pretty, was released in 1988. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Kidjo's international career.

Musical Style

Kidjo's music is a fusion of traditional African music with contemporary genres such as jazz, funk, and soul. She often incorporates elements of her own Benin heritage into her music, and her lyrics often address issues of social justice.

Kidjo's voice is powerful and expressive, and she has a wide vocal range. She is also a skilled dancer, and her live performances are often energetic and visually stunning.

Activism

Kidjo is a passionate activist for women's rights, education, and the fight against poverty. She has worked with numerous organizations, including UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Kidjo has also been a vocal critic of corruption and authoritarianism in Africa. She has spoken out against the governments of Togo and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and she has called for greater democracy and transparency in the continent.

Legacy

Angélique Kidjo is one of the most celebrated African musicians of all time. She has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, and she has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Kidjo's music has inspired and empowered people around the world, and her activism has made a real difference in the lives of many.

Angélique Kidjo is a true musical icon. She is a gifted singer, songwriter, and performer, and she is also a passionate activist for social justice. Kidjo's music is a powerful force for good, and her legacy will continue to inspire people for years to come.

Timeline of Angélique Kidjo's Career

* 1960: Born in Ouidah, Benin * 1977: Wins national talent competition in Benin * 1980: Moves to Paris to pursue musical career * 1988: Releases debut album, Pretty * 1994: Wins her first Grammy Award for the album Djin Djin * 1998: Releases the album Oremi, which is nominated for a Grammy Award * 2002: Releases the album Black Ivory Soul, which wins a Grammy Award * 2007: Releases the album Djin Djin, which wins a Grammy Award * 2010: Releases the album Oyaya!, which is nominated for a Grammy Award * 2013: Releases the album Eve, which wins a Grammy Award * 2016: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame * 2019: Releases the album Celia, which wins a Grammy Award