 |
|
|
Angelique Kidjo
|
A talented singer, songwriter from Benin and with a Grammy to her credit, Angelique Kidjo is a name to reckon with.Growing up in Benin, Kidjo was introduced to Bollywood and Indian music.
“Bollywood movies were very popular in Benin. When I decided to record an album of the songs that influenced me, I had to put this one song called 'Dil Mein Chupa Ke', but I used an African rhythm! I hope my accent is correct…”
Kidjo just finished recording a song for a Lullaby album with Carla Bruni, Martha Wainwright and Madonna. She also sung for the next Red Hot and Rio album. “I’m presently working on a concert with the Luxembourg orchestra, on a book. My life is so busy… I don’t even have time to get bored!”
Talking about indian music and artists, she says, “I love Anoushka Shankar. I also met an Indian singer Chandrika Tandon who was nominated at the Grammy with me. I have played with Talvin Singh and Trilok Gurtu. Indian music has a lot in common with African grooves.”
At the age of six, Kidjo could sing all the folk songs. “The first time I sang on stage, it was the traditional Atcha Houn.” As a teenager, she discovered the music from American and England. “Being exposed to the creativity of the 60’s and the funkiness of the 70’s was a blessing for me.”
However, South African singer Miriam Makeba was her biggest inspiration. Besides jazz, Kidjo is also into rap music.
The singer who is well versed in five different languages including her “personal language”, says, “In Benin we have 50 languages and many kind of instruments and style of music. So the main trends is Benin is mixing the all the traditions with the modern instruments. You can use the folk songs of your region to create a new style!”
Comments
