15 facts about the legendary African singer Angélique Kidjo

Angélique Kidjo is a Grammy-winning African singer, songwriter, and activist from Benin, celebrated for blending Afropop with jazz, funk, and traditional African sounds. Known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Kidjo draws on her Fon and Yoruba heritage, often singing in multiple languages.

Her music carries messages of empowerment, unity, and pride in African culture. Beyond music, she’s a prominent advocate for girls’ education and women’s rights, notably through her Batonga Foundation. A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Kidjo is recognized globally for her contributions to both music and social change.

1. Early Life: Angélique Kidjo was born on July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Benin, to a Fon father and a Yoruba mother, both of whom deeply influenced her music and cultural identity.

2. Start in Music: Kidjo began performing at a young age, singing in her mother’s theater troupe and gaining early exposure to storytelling and music through Beninese folk traditions.

3. Musical Style: Her music is a fusion of Afropop, jazz, funk, reggae, and traditional African rhythms, making her one of Africa’s most versatile musicians.

4. Polyglot: Kidjo sings in multiple languages, including Fon, French, Yoruba, and English, reflecting her multi-cultural background and appeal.

5. Big Break: She gained international recognition with her album Logozo in 1991, which became a hit in Europe and the United States.

6. Grammy Awards: Kidjo has won multiple Grammy Awards, including in 2015 for her album Eve, and is celebrated for championing African music globally.

7. Beyoncé Collaboration: Kidjo’s song “Wombo Lombo” is sampled in Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album, showcasing her influence on contemporary artists.

8. Social Activism: Beyond music, she’s known for her activism, advocating for women’s rights, education for girls, and health initiatives through her foundation, Batonga.

9. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: In 2002, Kidjo was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using her platform to promote children’s welfare worldwide.

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10. Inspirations: She cites African artists like Miriam Makeba and Bella Bellow, as well as American icons like Aretha Franklin and James Brown, as her influences.

11. Cover Album: In 2018, she released Remain in Light, a reimagined cover of Talking Heads’ album, blending Afrobeat rhythms and modern sounds.

12. Humanitarian Work: Kidjo’s Batonga Foundation, founded in 2006, works to empower young women in Africa by focusing on education and entrepreneurial training.

13. Hollywood Star on Netflix: Kidjo voices a character in the Netflix animated series We the People, designed to educate children about civics.

14. Honorary Degrees: She has received several honorary degrees, including from Yale University, recognizing her contributions to music and advocacy.

15. Global Icon: Forbes ranked Kidjo as one of the most powerful women in Africa, and she has been recognized as a Time 100 Icon, cementing her role as a global ambassador for African music and culture.

Angélique Kidjo’s artistry and activism continue to inspire and elevate African culture worldwide.