ANGELIQUE KIDJO AFRICANA SPECIAL

This is a song from my childhood "Wombo Lombo". It was a pleasant surprise to see it on 'Nick Jr' recently. Oh wow! how the world has become globalized? All thanks to new media.
Angelique Kidjo is one of a kind. She is an awesome performer-singer, songwriter, dancer and activist (a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002). She is from the African country of Benin. She is now one of the most renowned 'World' music artistes who is on high demand internationally. Her energy is incomparable, her moves are impeccable. Her voice is piercing and beautiful.
After schooling in Paris and marrying her French producer  husband, Jean Hebrail, she started out doing back up vocals locally and leading vocals in an Euro-African jazz group "Pili Pili". Angelique hit a musical jackpot when she was discoverd by Island Records in 1991 and then later by Columbia Records. Six albums later, she produced hits including "Agolo" (another of my favorites), "We We", "Adouma", "Wombo Lombo", "Afirika", "Batonga", and her version of "Malaika".
I don't know the meaning of some of these songs, but they always convey a message in their own special way. Music knows no barriers irrespective of language, color or creed. She sings in French, Yoruba (my native language by the way), Fon and English and of course her local Benin language-Zilin. She has some characteristic signature clicking in her sound that gives her songs  unique edge.

Listen to "Wombo Lombo"

The 5* song on the plate "Wombo Lombo" brings back good memories. It was fun dancing in front a TV as a little girl admiring this energetic bundle of talent. Her videos were always captivating and colorful. The general idea of the song  lyrics indicate the spirit of dance. The English part of it goes:

"Have you ever seen this man moving ?
Do you think anyone else can do it ?
Really this dance has got something,
Something, no way you can`t beat it."

She has collaborated with artistes like Ziggy Marley, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone and numerous others. The one with Joss Stone, "Gimme Shelter" is another favorite of mine from her 2007 album "Djin Djin"

On June 10, 2010, she was part of the Official Kick-Off Celebration Concert of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa along with John Legend, Hugh Masekela, Shakira, Alicia Keys, Juanes and Black Eyes Peas.
She is currently touring and I can't wait to get my ticket for the November 13, 2010 concert in Atlanta, Georgia at The Rialto. She is leading the way for other upcoming international 'world' artistes, one of which will also share the same stage at The Rialto on December 10, 2010, Kenny Kore from Nigeria. Watch out for more information on this at The Rialto Theater site. Music is universal, no doubt about it. Angelique Kidjo serves one of the best ethnic musical soul food ever that anyone can eat!

If Music be the food of Love, you know what to do!
~Tosinger~