Biography
Angélique Kidjo is a four-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and activist with thirteen albums to her name. Originally from Benin, her sound infuses her West African traditions with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America.
Angelique has performed with several international orchestras and symphonies including the Bruckner Orchestra, The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the Philharmonie de Paris. She continues to tour globally performing the high-energy concert she’s become famous for with her four-piece band.
She is the recipient of the prestigious 2015 Crystal Award given by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the 2016 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award and and the 2018 German Sustainability Award. Angelique also travels the world advocating on behalf of children in her capacity as a UNICEF and OXFAM goodwill Ambassador.
In 2020, Angélique participated in a global rendition of Peter Gabriel’s song “Biko” as part of Playing For Change’s Peace Through Music: A Global Event for Social Justice, a virtual concert and fundraising event. The remake featured Gabriel joined by Angélique, Silkroad’s Yo-Yo Ma, bass legend Meshell Ndegeocello and more than 25 musicians from seven countries including South Africa, India, Spain and the USA.