www.kidjo.com

Raised amongst political turmoil and artistic restrictions, Angélique Kidjo’s globally recognized talent is a testament to the power of music to overcome adversity. Raised in war-torn Benin, Kidjo made her first public appearance as a child with her mother’s theatre troupe, singing traditional anthems to audiences of friends and family. By her teenage years, the chanteuse was on the radio waves with jazz and soul-inspired pieces.

After moving to Paris, Kidjo focused on finding her niche in the community, recording three albums with Pili Pili, a Euro-African Jazz group. She eventually signed as a solo artist with Island Records in 1991. The singer’s unique blend of her heritage with traditions from Latin America, gospel, Afro-pop, and rumba combined with multi-lingual lyrics led the world music revolution in the 1990’s. The GRAMMY-winning artist’s influence has spanned the globe, gaining fans and collaborators from Alicia Keys and Peter Gabriel to Branford Marsalis and Carlos Santana.

Her powerful messages have been recognized by the NAACP, Amnesty International, and UNICEF, for whom she is a Goodwill Ambassador, among many others. Kidjo’s own charity, the Batonga Foundation, raises funding, builds schools, and implements change for Africa’s underprivileged girls.

OYO is Kidjo’s latest offering, a collection of pieces that inspired her as a child and songs reminiscent of her musical upbringing. Released in Europe earlier this year, the album features a collaboration with John Legend and Bono on Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up,” a remake of Aretha Franklin’s “Baby I Love You,”, and the first song she performed publicly at the age of six, “Atcha Houn,” a traditional parade song. Her eleventh recording, OYO is a look into the soul and fire of the performer.

Angélique Kidjo’s relevancy and empowerment as a voice for change was evident as she kicked off Stern Grove Festival's 73rd Season with an amazing performance that wowed the crowd!