Angélique Kidjo

Angélique Kidjo, the globally renowned West African singer, gained international acclaim after the success of her 1991 album Logozo. Known for her multilingual fusion of Afrobeat, pop, jazz, reggae, and various African traditions, Kidjo has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, from Philip Glass and Alicia Keys to Peter Gabriel and Branford Marsalis. Her deep-rooted connection to her Beninese and West African heritage shines through in her Grammy-winning albums like Djin Djin and Eve, while her advocacy work includes serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founding the Batonga Foundation to support girls' education in West Africa. Kidjo's dynamic career spans stages worldwide, showcasing her creative diversity and willingness to push musical boundaries by singing in multiple languages within the same song.

Born in Benin to a family of performers, Kidjo's early exposure to a wide range of music fueled her passion for singing. Beginning her professional career in her early twenties, she quickly made a mark with hits like "Ninive" from her debut album Pretty. Signing with Island Records in 1991, Kidjo's album Logozo introduced her unique blend of dance music and African beats to a global audience. Over the years, she continued to explore the influence of African music, from the Americas to Afro-Brazilian culture, with albums like Oremi and Black Ivory Soul. Kidjo's Grammy Award-winning albums, philanthropic efforts, and innovative collaborations showcase her as a pioneering force in world music, bridging cultural gaps through her powerful voice and artistic vision.