Angelique Kidjo

Statement

“I visited Robben Island just before the first 46664 concert and I understood that Nelson Mandela could not have spent all these years standing up for his continent just to let it be hurt by a disease that can be prevented and cured if there is a strong political will. That's the message we will be sending this time: we will not forget about this until change is made!”

About

“Her spirit is irrepressible, and she brings life to everything she touches.” – Peter Gabriel

The much-celebrated singer, composer, and performer began in the Beninese port village of Cotonou, where she launched her career at the age of six. The political turmoil in her country led her to relocate to Paris, the capital of world music, and then ultimately to New York City, where she now resides. 

Her striking voice, stage presence and her fluency in multiple cultures and languages won respect from her peers and expanded her following across national borders. It also earned her access to humanitarians who sensed the passion in the words of her songs, resulting in her long-term dedication to global charity work.

Kidjo has travelled far and mesmerised audiences on countless stages, speaking out on behalf of the children in her capacity as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. 

As a child, Kidjo was captivated by an iconic album cover of Jimi Hendrix, which led her to follow the African roots of music from the United States, Brazil and the Carribean. The results were the Grammy-nominated trilogy of albums, Oremi, Black Ivory Soul and Oyaya. With Djin Djin (pronounced “gin gin”), Angelique Kidjo returns to the soul of Benin.