Wonder Woman of the Week: Angelique Kidjo

Angelique Kidjo is one of the most iconic African musicians in contemporary world music. Her career expanded to world audiences on the pop level while maintaining folk influences from her home nation of Benin and the larger cultural influences of West African cultures. Kidjo has displayed the ability to sing in multiple languages including French, English, and Swahili- as well has languages spoken fluently throughout West Africa.

Angelique Kidjo was born and raised in Benin- a small nation on the coast of West Africa- to parents of the Fon and Yoruba Peoples. Kidjo spent her childhood listening the the music of her own peoples as well as that of surrounding nations in West Africa and several prominant African-American rock musicians from the United States (like Otis Redding and Jimi Hendrix). Kidjo's resulting style of music combined American/English style rock and roll with West African folk traditions- setting the stage for a West African version of rock.

Angelique Kidjo left Benin for France to pursue a college education, and there; Kidjo began learning more languages and music styles from around the world. After serving as a major singer and musician in several bands in France, Kidjo rapidly became one of the most popular live musicians in the country and the internation industry noticed. In 2000, Kidjo signed a record deal with an American record company (Columbia) and launched her success to the world stage.

With the financial backing of a major record producer, Kidjo's career developed further. The musician began experimenting with her Benin roots but combining those musical styles with other forms of rock, jazz, and folk styles from around the world- even collaborating with other major musicians. The result was an incredible and unique performance style focusing on highlighting the diversity of West Africa's hundreds of cultures and bringing their styles of music to a world audience.