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Angelique Kidjo

Biography

Afro-funk, reggae, samba, salsa, gospel, jazz, Zairean rumba, zouk, and makossa are combined through the music of soulful, Benin-born, Paris-based vocalist Angélique Kidjo. Since the release of her self-produced debut solo album, Pretty, in 1988, Kidjo has been embraced by the international press. Kidjo's albums have been strengthened by contributions from top-notch guest musicians and producers. Parakou, her first internationally distributed album, featured jazz keyboardist Jasper van't Hof, the leader of Pili Pili, a Holland-based Afro-jazz band with whom Kidjo had performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1987. Logozo, recorded in Miami in 1991 and produced by Joe Galdo of Miami Sound Machine, featured Branford Marsalis on saxophone. Marsalis later performed on Kidjo's album Oremi. The album features Kidjo singing duets with Cassandra Wilson ("Never Know") and Kelly Price ("Open Your Eyes"). Kidjo's most ambitious album, Fifa (1996), featured more than 100 percussionists, flutists, cowbell and berimbau players, singers, and dancers from Benin and one track featuring Carlos Santana. Kidjo's husband, Jean Hébrail, a French bass player and composer she met in 1987, has played a major role in the recording of her albums.

The daughter of an actress, dancer, and theatrical producer, Kidjo was born in Quidah, a coastal city in the West African country of Benin. Inheriting her mother's love of performing, she made her stage debut with her mother's theatrical troupe. Inspired by the rock, pop, and soul music of Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Miriam Makeba, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin, she was singing professionally by her 20th birthday. Although she recorded an album, Pretty, produced by Cameroon-based vocalist Ekambi Brilliant that yielded a hit single, "Ninive," the oppressive political environment of Benin led her to relocate to Paris in 1980. Although modern technology and electronics played an important role in the recording of her first four albums, Kidjo returned to her traditional roots with Fifa. Armed with eight-track tape recorders and microphones, Kidjo and a team of engineers traveled to Benin to record traditional musicians, singers, and dancers. The album was completed during recording sessions in Paris, London, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. With her next album, 1998's Oremi, Kidjo returned to her futuristic approach. Incorporating elements of hip-hop and Afro-Celtic grooves, Oremi featured a reconstructed interpretation of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)."

Kidjo's enthusiastic presence was evident on the video of her international hit "Agolo," from her album Aye (1994). Produced by Will Mowatt of Soul II Soul and longtime Prince collaborator David Z, the video was nominated for a Grammy Award. Kidjo's songs have been featured on the soundtracks of such films as My Favorite Season, Street Fighter, and Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls. As the new millennium got underway, Kidjo signed to Columbia and prepped for her major-label debut. Exploring musical elements of her native Benin to that of northeastern Brazil, Black Ivory Soul was released in 2002. Oyaya!, which featured a collaboration with Dave Matthews, was issued two years later. Kidjo then joined forces with Razor & Tie for the May 2007 release of Djin Djin. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide

Continued…

Selected Discography

Djin Djin

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dg23 says:

04-11-2009

i grew up in africa, and love to hear the little influences spicing her music. excellent!!

quinncalhoun says:

12-11-2008

I've been listening to your music for 7 years,i've seen your performance at chico state in chico california on march 15th 2008. danced on stage,sing and dance is what i do when i hear your music.

Q

zoemullican says:

11-20-2008

I've seen Angelique three times live in Austin, Texas. She's so full of energy and passion for her music. If you like her recorded, you'll love her live!

Grayhnd says:

11-07-2008

BET used to do a 1 hour show called 'Caribbean Rhythms' or something like that several years ago. I was so impressed by Angelique I went out and bought 'Fifa' that day and it continues to be one of my favorite CD's. My then black wife couldn't stand her. I guess her mind was too poisoned by that Rap garbage to hear REAL music.

meme (little music notes) says:

09-20-2008

SHE HAS WAY WAY WYA MORE ALBUMS!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

sennieb1 says:

07-29-2008

This is an authentic sound from the mother land.It breaks language barriers.

HAYFLEA says:

06-25-2008

Black Ivory Soul is a great record of hers. I hope they add more of her music soon!

saabwisco says:

05-20-2008

That voice takes me to far away places...
Mmmm...

Kimani says:

02-22-2008

my best defination of African Jazz, Energy, talent and all that. FUN ! FUN! FUN!

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