Angelique Kidjo. The Global Music Icon Blending Culture, Activism & Grammy-Winning Talent"

Angelique Kidjo is a celebrated Beninese singer, songwriter, and activist known for her powerful voice and diverse musical influences. Born on July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo grew up in a culturally rich environment, influenced by both traditional African music and global genres. Her career spans various music styles, including Afrobeat, jazz, and Latin sounds, and she has won multiple Grammy Awards.

Kidjo married French musician and producer Jean Hébrail in 1987. The couple met while studying at the CIM, a prominent jazz school in Paris. Their shared love for music became a foundation of their relationship, and Hébrail has played an instrumental role in producing and composing much of her work. Together, they have one daughter, Naima Hébrail Kidjo, who has occasionally joined her mother on stage and has even followed in her footsteps in the arts.

Kidjo's marriage to Hébrail has been described as a supportive partnership, allowing her to continue her career as a global icon and humanitarian advocate. Their union exemplifies a blend of cultures, much like her music, which resonates with people worldwide

Raised in a musical family, Kidjo was inspired early on by her mother's theater company and the music of icons like James Brown and Aretha Franklin. She began performing as a teenager and gained recognition in her homeland before political unrest led her to move to Paris in the early 1980s. There, she studied jazz and honed her unique style, eventually gaining international acclaim.

Throughout her career, Kidjo has released acclaimed albums such as Logozo (1991), Oremi (1998), Black Ivory Soul (2002), and Djin Djin (2007), among others. She has collaborated with artists like Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, and Peter Gabriel, and won multiple Grammy Awards for her innovative work.

Besides music, Kidjo is an active humanitarian. She serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation, which empowers young girls in Africa through education. She is widely celebrated not only for her artistry but also for her dedication to social change, making her a respected figure in both music and global activism.
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