Queen of Afrobeat: The Revolution of Angélique Kidjo's Rhythm!

By Lenient Amidu

Angélique Kidjo's music is an experience!

From the beginning of each song, your body and heart begin to move in unison with the bliss of the beat, lyrics, and her rich voice.

Listening to the opening riffs of "Wombo Lombo" while you prepare for the day makes you feel like you can do anything - your body sways, your heart races, and your spirit soars. This Beninese-French songstress, armed with five Grammys and countless accolades, isn't just a musician; she's a revolution.

Born into a family of artists, Kidjo's childhood was a melody of curiosity and creativity. Nurtured by her mother's dance lessons and exposed to traditional rhythms, she took the stage at just six, igniting a lifelong passion. By her teens, she released her debut album, "Pretty," a local sensation. But political turmoil forced her to Paris, where she embraced new influences while staying true to her roots. Fifteen albums later, her voice echoes across continents, a testament to her unwavering spirit.

You might be tempted to call her the present ‘Mama Africa’ as the beauty of her work stems from the traditional essence in it but in Kidjo's own words; “When young artists come to me, I tell them you cannot be Beyoncé, there’s only one Beyoncé. She can be a role model of yours but take it to another level. Miriam Makeba was my role model but I never thought I could be Miriam Makeba, I simply emulated her. We have to teach our girls to have pride in their own talent.”