Angelique Kidjo Surprising Facts: First Time in Lagos, Speaks Yoruba

Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo is a woman of many talents. Known for her diverse musical influences and music videos, Kidjo won Best World Album, for Celia at the just concluded 62nd Grammy Awards. Called “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine, the 59-year-old singer has impressive skills and other things you may not know about her.

First Time in Lagos

Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo is currently in Lagos, Nigeria, for the first time where she visited Smooth FM on Wednesday for an interview. The legendary songwriter, who will be performing in Lagos revealed it will be her first time visiting Lagos and performing in Lagos state (Western part of Nigeria), she said:

“This is my first time in Lagos… My first time playing in Lagos. The last time I was here was in ’93. I left here at 13 years old.”

Kidjo whose Mother is from the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria added that her father was “too afraid” of her mum bringing her to Lagos because he feared if she comes, she wouldn’t want to go back to resume school. Kidjo made her stage debut with her mother’s theatrical troupe, inspired by a wide variety of music, from great African artistes including Fela Kuti.

Speaks Yoruba Fluently

What’s surprising about the legendary singer is the fact that she speaks Yoruba fluently. Kidjo showed off her interesting Yoruba- speaking skills while chatting with the staff of the popular Nigerian radio station.

Kidjo also came across as warm, friendly and sincere as she met Nigerian singer Asa who also visited the studio. Angelique Kidjo is seen drawing Asa in for a long hug before complimenting her footwear, speaking to her in Yoruba.

Kidjo is also fluent in Fon, French, Gen and English as well as a personal language she developed, she is known to sing in multiple languages often within the same song. She had also released several hits with Yoruba lyrics, such as the single Agolo in the album Aye, which gave Kidjo her first Grammy nomination. She also released Ewa Ka jo (Let’s Dance) in 1985.

Four Time Grammy Winner

With fourteen albums to her name, Angelique Kidjo added another feather to her hat by beating Nigerian Afro-beats singer, Burna Boy to win the Best World Music Award for Celia at the just concluded 62nd Grammy awards, marking her fourth win in the category and fourth Grammy win overall.

Her first Grammy nomination came in 1995 and her first win in 2007 in the Best Contemporary World Music category. She also picked a Grammy each in the Best World Music Album category in 2014 and 2015 for the albums Eve and Sings respectively.

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