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Angelique Kidjo

83quotes

Angelique Kidjo


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Full Name and Common Aliases


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Angelique Kidjo is a renowned Beninese singer, songwriter, actress, and activist, also known as "Africa's Premier Diva" by the media.

Birth and Death Dates


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Born on July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Dahomey (now Benin), Angelique Kidjo has defied death with her enduring spirit and boundless energy.

Nationality and Profession(s)


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Kidjo is a proud citizen of the Republic of Benin, with international recognition as a singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. She has carved out multiple careers within the entertainment industry, pushing boundaries and breaking records along the way.

Early Life and Background


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Growing up in a musical family, Kidjo's exposure to traditional African music began early on. Her parents encouraged her love for singing, which led her to form her first band at the age of 17. This marked the beginning of her illustrious career, which has spanned over three decades.

Kidjo attended the Institute of Music and Art in Cotonou, Benin, where she honed her musical skills before moving to Paris to pursue a more global audience. The city proved to be a catalyst for her growth as an artist, exposing her to diverse genres like jazz and rock while still embracing traditional African rhythms.

Major Accomplishments


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Throughout her career, Kidjo has received numerous accolades that reflect her artistry and activism:

She won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 2008 for "Djin Djin".
 In 2014, she released a collaborative album with Chris Martin of Coldplay, "Before We Die", which became her second consecutive number-one album on the US Billboard Top Albums chart.
Kidjo has been named as one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in the World" (2007) and has received numerous awards for her advocacy work.

Notable Works or Actions


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Kidjo has produced a wide range of musical works that blend traditional African rhythms with international styles:

Oriki (1991): Her breakthrough album, which introduced Western audiences to the sounds of Benin.
African Spirit (2004): A powerful tribute to African traditions and culture.
 Ezili (2007): A critically acclaimed album that showcased her vocal range and artistic depth.

Impact and Legacy


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Angelique Kidjo's impact extends far beyond the music industry. Her advocacy for women's rights, children's education, and cultural preservation has inspired countless individuals around the world:

She co-founded the Batonga Foundation in 2006 to support young girls' access to quality education.
 Through her music and public speaking engagements, Kidjo continues to promote African culture and challenge social injustices.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


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Angelique Kidjo's enduring legacy is rooted in her ability to bridge cultures through her art:

Her commitment to empowering women and promoting cultural exchange has earned her international recognition.
 As a trailblazer, Kidjo continues to inspire generations of artists and activists worldwide.

This remarkable individual's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of music, love for one's heritage, and dedication to creating positive change.

Quotes by Angelique Kidjo

If you don’t trust the roots of the modern music in Africa, then there’s hope for that music at all.
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If you don’t trust the roots of the modern music in Africa, then there’s hope for that music at all.
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There are people who refuse to say that Africa is a continent, but that doesn’t remove the fact that it is a continent.
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There are people who refuse to say that Africa is a continent, but that doesn’t remove the fact that it is a continent.
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I’m honoured when Africa recognises me.
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I’m honoured when Africa recognises me.
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As long as you are happy with your life, you’ll have less problems.
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As long as you are happy with your life, you’ll have less problems.
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I don’t like the idea of something being pure. It means we have to be perfect, I don’t want to be perfect.
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I don’t like the idea of something being pure. It means we have to be perfect, I don’t want to be perfect.
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As long as music of mine is not used to preach hate, or to bash women, it’s okay for me. If it doesn’t promote violence against women, drugs, this and that, use it, go ahead.
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As long as music of mine is not used to preach hate, or to bash women, it’s okay for me. If it doesn’t promote violence against women, drugs, this and that, use it, go ahead.
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As far as I’m concerned, no human being should be, absolutely not, put in the category of color.
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As far as I’m concerned, no human being should be, absolutely not, put in the category of color.
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The richness of Africa, culturally, is vast. That’s the challenge that we have to face, because most of the time, people in the western world, their attention span is really narrow.
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The richness of Africa, culturally, is vast. That’s the challenge that we have to face, because most of the time, people in the western world, their attention span is really narrow.
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I never use someone just because they are great musicians. I work with people who have the same kind of feeling towards the music that I do, and the subject that I’m speaking of at that time.
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I never use someone just because they are great musicians. I work with people who have the same kind of feeling towards the music that I do, and the subject that I’m speaking of at that time.
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If you’re on stage and you’re more concerned about your dress, and then you think that the public is accessory, you got nothing to do there.
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If you’re on stage and you’re more concerned about your dress, and then you think that the public is accessory, you got nothing to do there.
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