Angélique Kidjo: the Grammy winner’s African sounds at Ethno Jazz Festival’s anniversary

Angélique Kidjo, whose full name is Angélique Kpasseloko Hinto Hounsinou Kandjo Manta Zogbin Kidjo, was born in 1960 in Ouidah, Benin. She began her career at six, performing with her mother's theatre group. She recorded her debut album as a teenager. Its very warm reception enabled the young singer to tour several African countries. Tickets for every concert quickly sold out.

Angelique Kidjo moved to Paris in 1983. At the same time, she joined Pili Pili, with whom she recorded three acclaimed albums. Eight years later she signed with one of the most important labels, Island Music, recording four albums for them: “Logozo” (1991), “Aye” (1994), “Fifa” (1996) and “Oremi” (1998).

Angelique Kidjo's next two albums were released by Columbia Records: the Afro-Brazilian-inspired “Black Ivory Soul” and “Oyaya!” (2004), on which she paid tribute to Latin American and Caribbean music, combining it with traditional African guitars. Released in 2007, “Dijn Dijn” won her the 2008 Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album.

Stars who have recorded with Angelique include Carlos Santana, Branford Marsalis, Manu DiBango, Cassandra Wilson, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, Ziggy Marley and Peter Gabriel. Her latest album, “Eve”, released in 2015, received another Grammy award.

In 1998, she recorded “We Are One”, one of the two main songs for Disney's The Lion King 2. She was one of the main stars of the opening ceremony for the 2010 football World Cup in South Africa. Angélique Kidjo has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002. Ethno Jazz Festival audiences had the opportunity to admire her talent in 2011.

Now, following another Grammy Award, it is time for her great return to Wrocław!

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