By Emmanuel Mwendwa

"There has rarely been an African diva of such wholesomeness to the power and intoxication of Angelique Kidjo…" Time Magazine once proclaimed

For over two decades, the Benin-born singer, performer and songwriter Kidjo has transcended boundaries, uniting millions of people through music.

Her penchant for experimentation hinges on the fusion of African beats with varied global influences and rhythms.

This aspect often categorises her soulful songs as a cross between many styles of music including Cameroonian makossa, afro-funk, Caribbean zouk, reggae, rhumba and salsa done with a subtle touch of afro-jazz.

"While she incorporates elements that cover a lot of ground, Kidjo conjures up a zesty, afro-pulsed blend of funk, a dash of Latino, afro-pop, gospel, jazz and afro-celtic grooves," points out Roger Steffens, writing in The Beat magazine.

Angelique Kidjo

The artiste explores an array of issues in her songs ranging from afrocentricity, relationships, environmental conservation to mutual harmony — but her primary concern revolves around articulating children’s rights.

One of her best-seller charity songs is Mtoto Kwanza (Children first).

She has been at the forefront, raising awareness on a myriad issues such as the transmission of HIV and Aids to unborn children in Africa and girls’ access to education.

Widely acknowledged as a musical ambassador, Kidjo often stands out as a beacon of hope for African children, and regularly rallies behind fellow female musicians by co-opting them in related campaigns.

She is also founder patron of Batonga Foundation, which gives girls opportunities to pursue higher education in several African countries.

Besides individual mentor programmes, the foundation grants scholarships to increase pupils’ enrolment.

"Access to education in Africa remains a major issue yet we need our people to overcome ignorance, poverty and undemocratic governance. Social and political challenges don’t change unless people are enlightened about their rights," she asserts.

Kidjo became associated with Unicef in 2000, after she recorded the Say Yes for Children public service campaign musical clip, which elicited more than 94 million supporters.

Her concert in May 2002, at a historic UN General Assembly Special Session on Children promptly earned her a Goodwill Ambassador appointment.

Two years ago, she cut a studio rendition of John Lennon’s classic hit Happy Christmas (War is Over) that was included in a compilation CD — Instant Karma — an Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur musical initiative.

Kidjo rarely shies away from hitting out at corrupt African leaders, who she castigates for their inclination to derail the continent’s progressive movement.

"The ability to lie seems like a prerequisite for African leadership and the political class. Most governments rarely condone criticism even when it is patriotic, for mutual benefit of its people," she remarked.

Her album Oyaya boldly articulates her belief in a universalism of spirit and co-existence irrespective of one’s race or heritage.

"Music is a language beyond the colour of one’s skin, country or culture. I strive to inspire people to work hard to help educate, nourish and protect our children," she said in a past interview.

It was exposure to South African diva, the late Miriam Makeba’s music that inspired Kidjo to hone her vocal and song-writing skills.