About this Artist

African-born songstress ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO has received six Grammy nominations, winning in 2007. Her music blends the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk, and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with a diverse group of international artists like Carlos Santana, Dave Matthews, Youssou N’Dour, Alicia Keys, Omara Portuondo, Josh Groban, and Gilberto Gil.

Kidjo was born in the West African country of Benin. 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. She relocated to Paris in 1980, where her international career started to blossom. In the course of her successful career, Angélique Kidjo has spread her rhythmic Afro-funk fusion to the four corners of the globe. With her fun-loving personality, her on-stage charisma and her totally unique voice, Kidjo is certainly one of the most popular artists on the current world scene.

In 2010, she performed as a headline star at the World Cup opening concert in South Africa, and also played her first headline engagement at Carnegie Hall – which sold out.

Kidjo is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and her Batonga Foundation provides educational aid to young African girls.