How Angélique Kidjo uses joy to fuel global activism and music
In short: For superstar singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo, joy is more than a fleeting emotion. It is a powerful, intentional force that drives her legendary creative career and her tireless activism. By tapping into this state of mind, she seeks to unlock human potential and create opportunities for women and girls across Africa.
Angélique Kidjo has built a career defined by infectious energy and a commitment to social change. In conversation with journalist Femi Oke, the Benin-born artist explores how joy serves as the essential engine for her musical output. This isn't merely about performance; for Kidjo, joy is a tool used to empower others, specifically through her work to expand educational opportunities for women and girls throughout the African continent. During her discussion with Oke, she even performed an impromptu song. Her mission focuses on spreading educational access to girls and women.
Her influence extends beyond her own discography into the very structure of the modern music industry. Kidjo has expressed pride in how her professional success has helped clear a path for subsequent African artists. This legacy of mentorship is evident in her recent creative choices, such as her album 'Mother Nature,' where she intentionally collaborated with the next generation of musicians to pass the torch forward. This collaborative approach is a central theme of her recent work. She aims to ensure the future of African music through such mentorship.
Kidjo's impact is recognized by major cultural institutions. She has been a Grammy nominee in two 'global music' categories, standing alongside artists such as Nigeria's Burna Boy and WizKid, as well as Hawaii's Daniel Ho and Femi Kuti. Whether performing in intimate settings like NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts—which she describes as a place where one can 'make miracles and wonder'—or through her acclaimed albums like 'Celia,' Kidjo demonstrates a profound belief in the power of the individual to tap into their inherent potential. Her artistry has earned significant recognition within the Grammy Awards. This acclaim highlights her status as a leading figure in global music.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why Joy Is a State of Mind | Angélique Kidjo | TED
- Also: Angélique Kidjo
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