Angelique Kidjo

ANGELIQUE KIDJO – Africa’s Premier Diva

“Every child is born the same way, not as a conflict of color but as a human being with a role to play on the planet. So we rejoice and do everything to make the future of that child be the best” – Angelique Kidjo describing the meaning behind her song “Salala” to featured artist Peter Gabriel.

The Artist:

One of the true stars of world music, Grammy award-winner Angelique Kidjo has spread her rhythmic Afro-fusion to the far reaches of the globe, cross-pollinating the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of R&B, jazz, and funk, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America. Deemed “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine, Kidjo’s internationally acclaimed repertoire includes collaborations with various recording artists such as Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, and many more. On her new album, “Oyo”, out on Razor & Tie April 6, 2010, Kidjo revisits the music that was instrumental in her artistic formation. Its lead single, “Move On Up”, features John Legend and Bono. Known for her dynamic and uplifting music, Kidjo has translated her distinctive work in the arts to that of philanthropy; by promoting education for girls in Africa through her foundation, Batonga and as a UNICEF Goodwill ambassador.

The Song:

Salala — Angelique Kidjo featuring Peter Gabriel

“Salala is a beautiful cross-cultural collaboration between Angelique Kidjo and Peter Gabriel, blending West African rhythms and Western pop harmonies as well as Kidjo’s native language of Fon (from Benin) with Gabriel’s English verses. Salala is a great example of two artist’s sharing a universal theme that crosses beyond race and borders. The song also encompasses the essence of yoga as it invites us to connect to our inner beauty and the joy that is deep in our soul and the source of our true nature. Like the resonant and celebratory nature of this music, yoga helps us to strip away the layers we accumulate as we struggle through life – opening the heart center and helping us to remember and rejoice in the divine spirits that we all are.” – Frank Fitzpatrick

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