About Angelique
Bio
Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo is not only one of the spunkiest, most electrifying performers in the pop world today, but she's also one of its most forward and creative thinkers, an artist whose mission has been to explore the relationships of diverse musical cultures. Her striking voice, stage presence and her fluency in multiple cultures and languages have won respect from her peers and expanded her following across national borders. Kidjo has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and Latin America. Angelique also travels the world advocating on behalf of the children in her capacity as a UNICEF and OXFAM goodwill Ambassador. She also created her own charitable foundation, Batonga, dedicated to support the education of young girls in Africa. She has participated in several prestigious events in recent years, including the Live 8 concerts series in the UK, the 60th anniversary of Bob Marley in Ethiopia in February 2005, and the Roll Back Malaria concert organized by Youssou N Dour with the W.H.O. in Dakar. Her critically acclaimed album DJIN DJIN won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Album in 2008, and her most recent album, OYO, has been nominated for the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Album.