Angélique Kidjo

Born into a family of performing artists, Kidjo’s musical journey began at the age of six when she joined her mother’s theatre troupe. With a musician father and a mother who worked as a choreographer and theatre director, her upbringing was steeped in artistic expression. As a teenager, she sang with her brothers in a rock–rhythm-and-blues band, marking the early signs of her musical prowess. By the age of 20, Kidjo had already established herself as a professional singer, recording her debut album, “Pretty,” in 1988.

In 1983, Kidjo made a pivotal move to Paris, where she immersed herself in a vibrant musical community and experimented with various musical styles. It was in Paris that she met Jean Hebrail, the French producer, composer, and bassist whom she later married. Her early years in the city were dedicated to studying jazz and collaborating with local groups. Notably, she joined forces with the Dutch pianist Jasper van ’t Hof, contributing her vocals and songwriting skills to his jazz group, Pili-Pili.

Leaving Pili-Pili, Kidjo released “Logozo” in 1991, featuring collaborations with Branford Marsalis, Manu Dibango, and Ray Lema. The album addressed global issues and achieved international acclaim. Subsequent releases like “Fifa” (1995) showcased her ability to perform in multiple languages, including her native Fon and Yoruba. Kidjo’s musical journey continued with a fusion of genres, including jazz, hip-hop, zouk, rumba, samba, salsa, funk, gospel, makossa, and traditional Beninese music.

Kidjo’s discography includes Grammy Award-winning albums such as “Eve” (2014), a tribute to African women sung in Beninese languages, and “Sings” (2015), a collaboration with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Luxembourg. Her versatility was further highlighted in her cover of the Talking Heads album “Remain in Light” (2018) and the homage to Celia Cruz in 2019. The album “Mother Nature” was released in 2021, marking another milestone in her illustrious career.

Beyond her musical achievements, Kidjo has been a fervent advocate for education and healthcare for women and children. In 2002, UNICEF named her one of its goodwill ambassadors, and in 2013, she was elected as one of four vice presidents of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC).

In acknowledgment of her groundbreaking contributions to the global music scene, her advocacy for education and healthcare, and her cultural impact, Angélique Kidjo was named in the 5th list of 100 Most Influential African Women in 2023 by Avance Media. Her ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical influences reflects not only her artistic genius but also her commitment to transcending boundaries and bringing people together through the universal language of music. Kidjo’s legacy continues to resonate, inspiring generations and solidifying her status as a trailblazing force in the world of music and social advocacy.