Angélique Kidjo is more than a singer—she’s a cultural ambassador, activist, and one of the most influential voices in world music.
With a career spanning over four decades, she has redefined the global music landscape while championing humanitarian causes.Let’s dive into her extraordinary journey.
Early life and musical roots
- Born: July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Benin
- Languages: Fluent in Fon, Yoruba, French, English, and Gen (Mina)
- Family influence: Her father was a musician and her mother a choreographer and theatre director
- Early start: Began performing at age six with her mother’s theatrical troupe
Political unrest in Benin led Kidjo to relocate to Paris in 1983, where she studied jazz and launched her international career.
Career highlights and discography
Kidjo’s music blends Afrobeat, jazz, funk, Latin, and Western pop. She’s released 16 studio albums, including:
| Album | Year | Notable tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Logozo | 1991 | “Batonga”, “We We” |
| Djin Djin | 2007 | “Djin Djin” ft. Alicia Keys |
| Eve | 2014 | Tribute to African women |
| Celia | 2019 | Tribute to Celia Cruz |
| Mother Nature | 2021 | “Do Yourself” ft. Burna Boy |
She’s collaborated with icons like Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Yo-Yo Ma, Burna Boy, and Philip Glass.
Awards and honors
Angélique Kidjo is one of the most decorated African artists in history:
- 5 Grammy Awards:
- Djin Djin (2008)
- Eve (2015)
- Sings (2016)
- Celia (2020)
- Mother Nature (2022)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: First Black African artist to receive a star (Class of 2026)
- Crystal Award: World Economic Forum (2015)
- Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award (2016)
- Polar Music Prize (2023)
- Time Magazine: Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world (2021)
Net worth and earnings
- Estimated net worth: $5–10 million
- Annual earnings: $300,000–$500,000 depending on tours and engagements
- Income sources:
- Album sales and streaming royalties
- Global tours and music festivals
- Guest lectures at Harvard, NYU, and other institutions
- Speaking engagements and humanitarian work
She owns properties in Paris and Brooklyn, reflecting her global lifestyle.
Humanitarian work and activism
Kidjo is a fierce advocate for education and gender equality:
- UNICEF and Oxfam Goodwill Ambassador
- Founder of the Batonga Foundation:
- Supports education for girls in Africa
- Provides scholarships, mentorship, and vocational training
- Active in Benin, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Cameroon
Her activism is deeply woven into her music, often addressing climate change, freedom, and social justice.
Cultural impact and legacy
Angélique Kidjo’s influence transcends music:
- Performed at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Opening Ceremony
- Honored by Harvard, Yale, Berklee, and other institutions with honorary doctorates
- Reimagined Talking Heads’ Remain in Light album, bringing it back to its African roots
Her voice, charisma, and commitment to change have made her a beacon of African excellence on the world stage.
