Renowned Beninese musician Angelique Kidjo, 66, called on Africans to unite through collaborative creativity during a speech at a Spotify event in Johannesburg, emphasizing the continent's cultural potential and the need for collective storytelling. Speaking at the gathering, which coincided with a jazz festival, Kidjo highlighted the
Kidjo, a Grammy-winning artist with a 40-year career spanning 18 albums and global collaborations, urged audiences to confront Africa's internal divisions. 'We are the only continent where we are fighting with each other and within ourselves,' she stated, advocating for youth-driven innovation. She stressed the importance of strategic cultural representation, noting, 'We have so much culture in Africa. It’s frightening. It’s scary. It is so big that even we are overwhelmed, but we have to be strategic.'
The musician, who became the first Black African to receive the Hollywood star in August, credited digital platforms for fostering her partnerships with artists like Pharrell Williams and Ayra Starr on her latest album 'Hope.' 'Art is a form of resistance, and we do that so well in Africa,' she said, referencing her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002 and founder of the Batonga Foundation, which empowers African girls and young women. 'I’m going to empower everybody on the continent to tell their own story,' she added.
Kidjo’s remarks underscored the intersection of art, activism, and African identity. Her advocacy aligns with her role as a Time magazine 100 Most Influential Person, blending musical innovation with social impact. The Johannesburg event, hosted by Spotify, highlighted her ongoing efforts to amplify African narratives through global platforms, while reinforcing her call for unity amid the continent's diverse cultural landscapes.