# Angelique Kidjo

> Beninese musician

**Wikidata**: [Q231276](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q231276)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angélique_Kidjo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/angelique-kidjo

## Summary
Angelique Kidjo is a Beninese musician known for her powerful voice, global music career, and advocacy for social justice. She has won numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, and is recognized for her contributions to world music and her activism.

## Biography
- Born: July 14, 1960, in Cotonou, Benin
- Nationality: Beninese
- Known for: Her distinctive voice, fusion of traditional African music with global genres, and activism for human rights and environmental causes
- Employer(s): Independent artist, Island Records
- Field(s): Music, activism, world music

## Contributions
- **Music Career**: Released multiple albums, including *Logozo* (2002), *Djin Djin* (2005), and *Oremi* (2012), blending traditional African rhythms with jazz, gospel, and zouk.
- **Awards**: Won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album (2003), the Polar Music Prize (2014), and the Crystal Award (2018) for her contributions to sustainable change.
- **Activism**: Advocated for human rights, environmental protection, and women's empowerment, receiving awards such as the Ambassador of Conscience Award (2003) and the Champions of the Earth Award (2005).
- **Cultural Influence**: Promoted African music globally, collaborating with artists like U2 and working with Island Records to bring African music to international audiences.

## FAQs
**What genres does Angelique Kidjo perform in?**
Angelique Kidjo performs in a variety of genres, including jazz, zouk, gospel, and traditional African music, blending them into a unique sound.

**What awards has Angelique Kidjo won?**
Angelique Kidjo has won numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, the Polar Music Prize, the Crystal Award, and the Champions of the Earth Award.

**What is Angelique Kidjo known for?**
Angelique Kidjo is known for her powerful voice, fusion of traditional African music with global genres, and her activism for human rights and environmental causes.

**Where has Angelique Kidjo worked?**
Angelique Kidjo has worked independently as an artist and has been associated with Island Records, a British-Jamaican record label known for promoting reggae and other genres.

## Why They Matter
Angelique Kidjo matters because she has bridged traditional African music with global genres, making African rhythms accessible to international audiences. Her activism for human rights and environmental protection has inspired many, and her work has influenced the world music genre. She has been a vocal advocate for social justice, using her platform to raise awareness about important issues. Her contributions have helped elevate African music on the global stage and have inspired a new generation of artists.

## Notable For
- Winner of the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album (2003)
- Recipient of the Polar Music Prize (2014) for her contributions to music
- Honored with the Crystal Award (2018) for her leadership in sustainable change
- Awarded the Champions of the Earth Award (2005) for her environmental advocacy
- Ambassador of Conscience Award (2003) for her human rights activism
- Collaborated with global artists like U2, promoting African music internationally
- Worked with Island Records, a key label in promoting reggae and other genres
- Advocate for women's empowerment and social justice

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Angelique Kidjo was born on July 14, 1960, in Cotonou, Benin. She began her musical career in the 1980s, performing in local clubs and gaining recognition for her powerful voice and unique style. Her early performances laid the foundation for her future success in the music industry.

### Musical Style and Influences
Angelique Kidjo's music is a fusion of traditional African rhythms with jazz, gospel, and zouk. She has incorporated elements of Beninese music, including the *genge* and *kpanlogo*, into her performances. Her distinctive voice and innovative approach have set her apart in the world music genre.

### Major Albums and Collaborations
Angelique Kidjo has released several notable albums, including *Logozo* (2002), *Djin Djin* (2005), and *Oremi* (2012). She has collaborated with global artists such as U2, working on projects that have brought African music to international audiences. Her album *Logozo* won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2003.

### Awards and Recognition
Angelique Kidjo has received numerous awards for her contributions to music and activism. She won the Polar Music Prize in 2014 and the Crystal Award in 2018 for her leadership in sustainable change. She has also been honored with the Champions of the Earth Award (2005) and the Ambassador of Conscience Award (2003) for her human rights advocacy.

### Activism and Advocacy
Angelique Kidjo is a vocal advocate for human rights, environmental protection, and women's empowerment. She has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues and has been recognized for her activism. Her work has inspired many and has helped elevate the profile of African music globally.

### Cultural Influence and Legacy
Angelique Kidjo has had a significant impact on the world music genre, promoting African rhythms and traditions on a global scale. Her collaborations with artists like U2 and her work with Island Records have helped bring African music to international audiences. She continues to be a influential figure in the music industry and a champion for social justice.

## References

1. [Radio France Internationale](http://musique.rfi.fr/artiste/musiques-monde/angelique-kidjo)
2. [Source](https://www.fnac.com/Angelique-Kidjo/ia201067/bio)
3. Integrated Authority File
4. BnF authorities
5. [Source](https://lanouvelletribune.info/2008/05/deuil-dans-la-famille-kidjo/)
6. [Source](http://www.100pour100culture.com/arts-vivants/deces-de-mere-dangelique-kidjo-yvonne-kidjo-premieres-comediennes-benin/)
7. [Source](https://www.afriquemagazine.com/angelique-kidjoj-aime-la-vie-simple)
8. [Source](https://www.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/tout-et-son-contraire/angelique-kidjo-je-passe-parfois-pour-une-extraterrestre_1761691.html)
9. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
10. [Source](https://100women.okayafrica.com/articles/2018/3/1/angelique-kidjo)
11. [Source](https://sites.unicef.org/people/people_angelique_kidjo.html)
12. Grammy Awards
13. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-55042935)
14. [Source](https://www.legiondhonneur.fr/sites/default/files/lh20210101.pdf)
15. [Source](https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2015/01/meet-the-crystal-award-winners-davos-2015/)
16. [Source](https://www.36ng.ng/2017/07/16/amaa-2017-full-list-winners/)
17. [Source](http://www.france-phaleristique.com/oal_promo_04-01-2010.htm)
18. [Source](https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Nous-connaitre/Organisation/Conseil-de-l-Ordre-des-Arts-et-des-Lettres/Arretes-de-Nominations-dans-l-ordre-des-Arts-et-des-Lettres/Nomination-dans-l-ordre-des-Arts-et-des-Lettres-ete-2019)
19. [Source](https://college.berklee.edu/about/honorary-degree-recipients)
20. [Source](https://www.euronews.com/culture/2023/03/28/swedens-polar-music-prize-awarded-to-chris-blackwell-angelique-kidjo-and-arvo-part)
21. [Source](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/musique/20210420-kidjo-ang%C3%A9lique)
22. MusicBrainz
23. IMDb
24. [Source](http://www.jazzinmarciac.com/sites/jazz-in-marciac/files/dossier_de_presse_2012.pdf)
25. [Dictionary of African Biography](https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780195382075.001.0001/acref-9780195382075-e-1077?rskey=GGl6WN&result=1079)
26. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
27. Virtual International Authority File
28. SACEM repertory
29. [Montreux Jazz Festival Database](https://database.montreuxjazz.com/concerts-database#)
30. [Source](https://database.montreuxjazz.com/concerts-database#)
31. Davos 2015 Participant List
32. Davos 2020 Participant List
33. CONOR.SI
34. [Source](https://www.rfi.fr/fr/culture/20200308-ang%C3%A9lique-kidjo-fille-naima-voix-accordees)
35. ISWC Network
36. Discogs
37. [Source](https://www.goaustralie.com/angelique-kidjo-sur-sa-carriere-musicale-et-sa-recherche-de-lamour/)
38. [Source](https://pouvoirs-magazine.com/2024/04/14/portrait-a-kidjo-lune-des-100-femmes-influentes-du-monde/)
39. [Source](http://www.kidjo.com/biography)
40. YouTube API
41. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/angelique-kidjo-107a4S4B5k/appearances)
42. WorldCat Entities
43. The Movie Database