Biography
Who is Angelique Kidjo?
Early life and family
Angelique Kidjo was born in Ouidah, Benin, on July 14, 1960. Her mother worked as a choreographer and theatre director, while her father was a musician. She grew up listening to traditional Yoruba and Beninese music alongside international artists. By the time she was six years old, Angelique was already performing with her mother's theatre troupe.
She continued her artistic path by singing in her school band called Les Sphinx. As a teenager, she found success with her version of a song by Miriam Makeba that played on national radio. Political conflicts in Benin later made it difficult for her to work independently, leading her to relocate to Paris in 1983.
How Angelique became famous
After moving to France, Angelique studied music at the CIM jazz school in Paris. There she met musician and producer Jean Hebrail, whom she married in 1987 and with whom she has composed most of her music. She initially worked as a backup singer before joining Jasper van 't Hof's Euro African jazz and rock band Pili Pili as the lead vocalist.
She released her first international solo album titled Parakou in 1989. Her career expanded significantly when she signed with Island Records in 1991. Her subsequent album Logozo reached number one on the Billboard World Albums chart and established her international reputation.
Career highlights and albums
Throughout her career, Angelique Kidjo has released numerous acclaimed albums that look at global musical traditions. Her album Ayé featured the single Agolo, which earned her a first Grammy nomination. She later released the trilogy Oremi, Black Ivory Soul, and Oyaya to look at the African roots of the music of the Americas.
She won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album with her 2007 release Djin Djin. Another major milestone came when her album Eve won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album. She has also collaborated with prominent artists such as Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Carlos Santana, and Bono.
Personal life and relationships
Angelique Kidjo is married to musician and producer Jean Hebrail. The couple frequently collaborates on songwriting and musical composition. They share a daughter named Naïma Hebrail Kidjo.
Beyond her musical output, Angelique is fluent in five languages, including Fon, French, Yoruba, Gen, and English. She frequently incorporates traditional Beninese vocal techniques into her performances and remains active as a writer and actor.
Birthday and age
Angelique Kidjo was born on July 14, 1960, which makes Angelique 66 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Angelique shares the date with 21 other famous people.
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