UNICEF People

Angélique Kidjo

© UNICEF/HQ 03-0135/Markisz

West African singer and songwriter Angélique Kidjo, one of the most electrifying performers in the pop world today, is also one of its most forward thinkers, with a deep commitment to children and young people. UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy appointed Kidjo as a Goodwill Ambassador on 25 July 2002. “Ms. Kidjo’s global popularity and personal commitment to children will make a big difference for UNICEF and for children everywhere,” Bellamy said.

The hope of Africa

Kidjo once considered a career as a human rights lawyer but decided that she could have a greater impact through her music. “I believe music is a language beyond the colour of skin, country or culture,” she says. “I want to inspire people to work to help educate, nourish and protect our children.”

In her lyrics, Kidjo has explored the topics of race, environment, homelessness and the need to integrate. But her primary concern is education. “For me, education is so crucial because everything goes with it, like healthy politics and development,” she says. “Young people are the hope of my continent. When I watch the children of Africa, all dreams seem possible.”

Say Yes for Children

Kidjo first became associated with UNICEF in April 2000, when she filmed a public service announcement for the ‘Say Yes for Children’ initiative. The campaign, focusing on 10 key principles seeking to improve and protect the lives of children around the world, earned more than 94 million supporters.

© UNICEF/HQ 02-0191/Bronstein

Angélique Kidjo performs at the ‘Celebration of Leadership’ concert at United Nations Headquarters in New York, 2002.

Now Kidjo generously offers UNICEF more and more of her time to UNICEF. She joined other United Nations (UN) celebrity supporters at a gala concert for the UN General Assembly Special Session on Children in May 2002. This historic event set a new agenda for children’s health, education and protection.

Kidjo appeared in a UNICEF public service announcement on child trafficking in June 2002. And in September she attended the Africa Leadership Consultation – Children on the Brink, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The consultation developed priorities for helping children and young people orphaned or otherwise affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. She gave a concert followed by extensive press work in Benin in October 2002, and participated in a fundraising gala concert in Finland in November.

Crossing boundaries

Born in Benin, Kidjo began her singing career at the age of six. She moved to Paris because of the unstable political situation in Benin. While in Paris, she studied jazz and also attended law school.

Kidjo has earned huge respect as a songwriter and performer. Her music is steeped in the tribal and pop rhythms of her West African heritage, but she has also crossed musical and national boundaries by blending a variety of styles, including funk, salsa, jazz, rumba, souk and makossa. She has made seven albums, the latest being Black Ivory Soul, which focuses on the Brazilian connection with West Africa.