Texas Performing Arts Welcomes ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO, 3/8

Texas Performing Arts welcomes Angélique Kidjo to Bass Concert Hall on Thursday, March 8. 

With eleven international albums and a Grammy award for her 2007 album Djin Djin to her name, few artists have larger global presence than Kidjo. Even at the onset of her career, her second international album Logozo reached the number one position in the World Music Billboard Charts. Since then, Kidjo has released numerous critically acclaimed international albums, sold out prestigious worldwide concert venues such as Carnegie Hall, and been requested for collaborations with various prominent artists. More recently, Kidjo was given the opportunity to perform at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Johannesburg, South Africa alongside Alicia Keys, John Legend, and Shakira.

Born in the West African state of Benin, Kidjo began performing with her mother’s theater troupe at age six, gaining an appreciation for theater and dance at an early age. Growing as an artist, Kidjo began singing in school, finding success as a teenager covering works by the legendary Miriam Makeba. Shortly thereafter, Kidjo began recording. What started as success and travel around West Africa quickly led to international acclaim for Kidjo.

In addition to her work as a vocalist, Kidjo is a tireless campaigner for women’s health and education in Africa and serves as a UNICEF Peace Ambassador. Her philanthropic work was recently recognized when the BBC named her as one of 50 African icons. Additionally, The Guardian magazine named Kidjo to their list of 100 most inspiring women in the world.

Kidjo’s latest album Spirit Rising showcases Kidjo amid a line of special guests that includes Josh Groban, Dianne Reeves, Branford Marsalis, and Ezra Koenig.  

For more information, please visit texasperformingarts.org/season/kidjo. 

Photo by Jed Root

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