Idje-Idje

Epic. This is one of my favorite songs from Benin’s global music ambassador and all-around good-deed-doer Angelique Kidjo. It’s been a couple of years since she’s made a new album, but she tours all the time (don’t miss any chance you have of seeing her!) and of course stays very busy working for UNICEF, Oxfam, and her own Batonga Foundation, among many other good causes. Kidjo is just one of the ultimate examples of an artist who finds great success and then uses it to do everything in their power to make the world a better place. Makes you go all weepy thinking about it. Kidjo’s dearest cause is empowering girls and women in Africa, which Batonga does through financing and supplying schools and raising money for scholarships. A lot of stars on all levels of fame go through the motions of doing charitable work, but very few truly dedicate themselves to it. Kidjo is one of those whose humanitarian work is at least as big a priority as her day job, and certainly more important than maintaining a glamorous lifestyle or purchasing castles and yachts, or whatever it is rich people do to be conspicuous.

Houngbati

It’s been a while since I’ve featured anything from Angelique Kidjo. Do not, fear fans, I haven’t forgotten her. It’s just been difficult to find her songs on YouTube, always a challenge with the more obscure artists. It’s been a couple of years since the great lady released a new album, but she’s kept busy touring, working for UNICEF, raising money for AIDS research and women’s rights, and generally making the world a better place. Makes me all weepy to think of all the good she’s doing. Kidjo has been more than an entertainer; she’s made it her mission to use her global fame to teach and empower. Although I rarely understand the words of her songs, I believe that message is in there to be felt.

Djovamin Yi

It’s been a long time since we’ve listened to the always dynamic Angelique Kidjo. The time has come now. Because what could be more festive. I highly recommend one of Angelique’s records as your next party soundtrack.

Oh, and I guess it’s Christmas, so cheers to that and whatnot. I got some good celebrating accomplished already, and hopefully you all are doing the same.

Congoleo

I only just downloaded Angelique Kidjo’s 2007 album Djin-Djin. Now I find she’s got an even newer one – Õÿö out this year. Based on my in-depth research I expect it will sound exactly like the previous dozen. Meaning, it will be awesome! If you think you’ll be ok with just one Angelique album, then I guess Black Ivory Soul is still the one to beat.

Black Ivory Soul

Black Ivory Soul was the first Angelique Kidjo album I owned, and that may be why I think it’s the best.

Bitchifi

At least part of this song is in English, so you have some clue as to the general topic matter.

Bissimilai

Bissimilai, Angelique Kidjo, Oyaya! 2004

Bala Bala

Bala Bala, Angelique Kidjo, Oyaya! 2004

Yes, more Angelique Kidjo. I just can’t get enough of her music, and I want everyone else to love it too! Besides the undeniable awesomeness, Kidjo’s music reminds me of my first years living alone. It was a blissful time. My rent was 350, I didn’t have a phone or an internet, I ate free food at work, and filling up my Ford Escort cost 10 dollars. I had virtually no living expenses, so I spent a lot of money on cds. Nowadays, I’m up to here in debt, I can barely afford my rent, gas prices are through the roof, and I download everything. Ahhh, nostalgia!

Bahia

Bahia, Angelique Kidjo, Black Ivory Soul, 2002

 

Black Ivory Soul was my first Kidjo album. I picked up a free sample EP at the now-defunct Record Exchange, and loved it so much I went straight back and bought the whole album. On Black Ivory Soul Kidjo set out to explore the musical styles of Brazil. The combination of Brazillian and African rhythms results in a particularly vibrant album. And although  I love everything Kidjo does, this album remains a special favorite.

Babalao

Another on from Angelique Kidjo. She’s a big hit with me. I love everything she does. Most of the time I don’t know what the songs are about, but I know they make me feel happy. Angelique Kidjo always cheers me up. And that’s probably what she would want.