Angélique Kidjo at the Canberra Theatre Centre

By Benjamen Judd

Angélique Kpasseloko Hinto Hounsinou Kandjo Manta Zogbin Kidjo better known as Angélique Kidjo is returning to Australia where she will be bringing her force majeure performance to the Canberra Theatre Centre on Wednesday, April 8.

Considered one of the greatest figures in African music today, the Grammy award winning artist’s catalogue of sound is a diverse jigsaw. Afropop, blues, soul, gospel and Latin share the same airtime as the traditional music of her homeland of Benin.

Fluent in French, Yoruba, Fon and English, Kidjo is known for her lively yet piercingly poignant vocals.

During her time as one of pop’s most fascinating legends, Angélique Kidjo has collaborated with an array of contemporary artists as diverse as Alicia Keys, John Legend and Dianne Reeves while her own work has drawn inspiration from Miriam Makeba, James Brown, Otis Redding and the music of Benin.

Angélique Kidjo’s tour coincides with the release of her much-anticipated latest album, Eve, named after the artist’s own mother and won the Grammy for Best World Music Album.

Of the album, Kidjo states, “Eve is an album of remembrance of African women I grew up with and a testament to the pride and strength that hide behind the smile that masks everyday troubles”.

Angélique Kidjo’s reputation as a passionate and lively entertainer is well known and this concert is one not to be missed!

Angélique Kidjo will perform at the Canberra Theatre Centre on Wednesday April 8.