Musicians

Angélique Kidjo Biography: Wikipedia, Age, Career Highlights, Awards, Net Worth

EdimekJuly 23, 20242 Mins read14

Angélique Kidjo is a well-known singer-songwriter, actor, and activist who was born in Ouidah, Benin, on July 14, 1960. Kidjo is renowned for her wide range of musical influences and strong voice. She has received praise from many quarters for her ability to fuse African music with other genres, such as Latin, jazz, funk, and reggae. Her distinct voice and captivating live performances have elevated her to a cherished position in the global music industry.

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Angélique Kidjo Age

As of 2024, Angélique Kidjo is 64 years old.

Angélique Kidjo Personal Life

Angélique Kidjo’s professional career is as inspiring as her personal life. She is married to Jean Hébrail, a French musician and producer, with whom she has a daughter named Naima. Hébrail has been a significant influence on Kidjo’s music, and the couple frequently collaborates on musical endeavors.

Kidjo passionately advocates for the rights of women and the promotion of education. She established the Batonga Foundation to provide scholarships and educational initiatives to young girls in Africa to support their education. Her activism encompasses a variety of global issues, such as healthcare, social justice, and climate change.

Angélique Kidjo Career

Angélique Kidjo’s professional career started in her native Benin during the late 1970s. Her band, Pili Pili, brought her recognition at first, and in 1983 she relocated to Paris to pursue her musical goals. Her 1988 publication of “Pretty,” her debut solo album, signaled the start of a lucrative solo career.

Kidjo’s breakthrough came in 1991 when her album “Logozo, which included the popular song “Batonga, was released. Her status as a rising star in the global music scene was cemented with this album. She has put out several highly regarded albums throughout the years, such as “Ayé” (1994), “Fifa” (1996), “Black Ivory Soul” (2002), “Djin Djin” (2007), and “Eve” (2014).

Kidjo sings in Fon, French, Yorùbá, and English, among other languages, and her music is known for its unique blend of styles. Her flexibility and wide appeal have been further demonstrated by her collaborations with various musicians, including Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, and Philip Glass.

Angélique Kidjo Songs

Batonga – One of her early hits, this song remains a fan favorite and showcases her distinctive style.
Agolo – A powerful track from her 1994 album “Ayé,” blending African rhythms with contemporary sounds.
Wombo Lombo – A danceable tune from her 1996 album “Fifa,” which became a hit in many countries.
We We – A soulful and rhythmic song that highlights Kidjo’s vocal prowess.
Afirika – A tribute to the continent, this song is a staple in her live performances.

Angélique Kidjo Awards

Angélique Kidjo’s contributions to music and talent have been acknowledged with a multitude of awards and accolades. Among the most notable are:

Grammy Awards: Kidjo has received five Grammy Awards, including Best Contemporary World Music Album for “Djin Djin” (2008), “Eve” (2015), “Sings” (2016), and “Celia” (2020).
BBC World Music Awards: She has been recognized as a global music icon by winning multiple BBC World Music Awards.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: In recognition of her support of children’s rights and education, Kidjo was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2002.

Angélique Kidjo Net Worth

As of 2024, Angélique Kidjo’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million.

Angélique Kidjo interacts with her fans and provides updates on her music and activism on several social media channels where she is active. Her accounts on social media are: