INTERVIEW Angélique Kidjo Celebrates Musical Diversity

Friday June 25, 2010

from The Toronto Star

Angélique Kidjo celebrates musical diversity
by Ashante Infantry

Afro pop star Angélique Kidjo celebrates her musical roots on her latest album, Oyo, which includes covers of Curtis Mayfield and James Brown tunes that influenced her, as well African songs from her childhood.

The Brooklyn-based performer, who turns 50 next month, is having a significant summer. She performed at the World Cup opening ceremony and is touring to promote her new record, which guests Bono, John Legend and jazzers Roy Hargrove and Dianne Reeves.

The Star spoke with the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and married mother of a 17-year-old daughter by phone from New York in advance of her July 1 TD Toronto Jazz Festival show at the Nathan Phillips Square main stage.

Q: Have you had much chance to follow the World Cup matches after being there for the opening game?

A: I’ve been paying attention when I can. What I like about the game is that it’s unpredictable. Football is one thing that reminds us, as much as music, that we are one and we all have to work together for the same goal, which is living together within our differences and in peace. And, if you forget that, the example of the French team is the perfect example, where they didn’t like each other, they didn’t like the coach and they were fighting each other. Too much ego doesn’t do football any good, so we’ve got to remember that if you do solo you are weak, but if you work together we all win.

Read the entire interview here

Baby, I Love You feat. Dianne Reeves	3:10	Angélique Kidjo
Zelie	2:04	Angélique Kidjo
Move On Up feat. John Legend	3:46	Angélique Kidjo
Ae Ae	3:31	Angélique Kidjo

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Move On Up
Afirika (2010 FIFA World Cup™ Kick-off Concert)

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