Kidjo sings for Afrika

Grammy award-winner Angelique Kidjo, who is in the city to perform for a series of concerts, on growing up with eight siblings, why she considers herself blessed and Bollywood being a big influence on her music

Your music has a lot of varied influences in it, how would you best describe your style?
I think my biggest influence has been traditional music from my country Benin (in West Africa). By the age of six, I could sing all the folk songs. The first time I went on stage, I sang the traditional song Atcha Houn, which also features on OYO. I discovered music from America and England as a teenager. Being exposed to the creativity of the 60s and the funkiness of the 70s at an early age was a blessing.

Who are the musicians that you grew up listening to?
I think Miriam Makeba is my biggest influence. Her success proved to me that you could be an African woman and be successful, respected, and an ambassador for your
continent.

Tell us how you got into music...
I grew up with eight brothers and sisters, amidst a variety of cultural and musical traditions; the experience shaped my musical career. People always note that my style is not purely traditional, which is because while I learnt all the traditional songs, I was also exposed to the music of Stax, Motown and ufffd Bollywood!

Bollywood...! Say more...
You have to understand that Indian movies were very popular in Africa in the 60s and 70s. We loved the dancing and the singing; the theatres were always full. There was this movie I was crazy about. We called it The Magician. As a child, I went to see it at least 10 times until my father got tired of it, but I would always sing the title song. When I started to work on OYO and to record the music that influenced my childhood, I knew I had to include this song, but I could not remember the title, only a little bit of the melody. I recorded it for my brother, who was going to India. His colleagues listened to it until someone recognised the song and gave him a tape! I knew my album was done! It's true that Bollywood music (and romanticism) has influenced me!

You have collaborated with several artistes... Is there a particular collaboration that is memorable...?
Opening for Miriam Makeba at the Olympia Hall in 1989. Every song for me is like a child, so it is impossible for me to choose between them. If I don't love a song, I can't put it on an album. Every singer's worst nightmare must be to record a song that they don't like which becomes a huge success, because then they have to sing it for the rest of their life!

Tell us a bit about your work with UNICEF...
When I started to work with UNICEF, I discovered that education is the only long-term solution to change the face of the African continent. Girls in Africa (and I am pretty sure in India too) have limited access to education, so I decided to support them in five countries in Africa. I realise how lucky I was as a little girl to have a loving family that provided education and healthcare for me. I need to give back to my continent so that everyone can have the same opportunity!

After nine successful albums, what's next?
I just recorded a song for a Lullaby album with Carla Bruni, Martha Wainwright and Madonna. I sang for the next Red Hot and Rio album. I am also working on a concert with the Luxembourg
orchestra.

Any plans to collaborate with Indian artistes?
I love Anoushka Shankar. I recently met an Indian singer named Chandrika Tandon, who was nominated at the Grammys in the same category as me. Talvin Singh and Trilok Gurtu are artistes I have worked with. Indian music has a lot in common with African grooves.

What has your experience of Mumbai been like so far?
When I played in Mumbai once before with the great Trilok Gurtu, I have to tell you that I spent quite a lot of time in the market looking for great fabrics. You have some of the best fabrics and cloth. I will return home with my suitcases a little heavier!

On: Today, 10 pm
At: Blue Frog, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Lower Parel.
Call: 40332300 And tomorrow, 7.30 pm
At: National Centre for the Performing Arts, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point.
Call: 40332300