Ep 12. Angelique Kidjo
- January 23, 2016
Austin City Limits is a long-running television series that features live music performances from acclaimed artists in a variety of genres. For season 41 episode 12, the show welcomed the iconic African artist Angelique Kidjo to the stage.
Kidjo is known for her powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, and unapologetic celebration of her African heritage. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, and Peter Gabriel. On this episode of Austin City Limits, she brought her unique blend of African rhythms, jazz influences, and soaring vocals to the Austin stage.
The performance began with a high-energy rendition of "Shango Wa," a track from Kidjo's 2014 album Eve. The song features the percussive rhythms that are a hallmark of African music, driven by the djembe and other drums. Kidjo's powerful vocals cut through the beat, establishing her as a commanding presence on stage. The song also features call-and-response sections that engage the audience and get them clapping along.
From there, Kidjo and her band transitioned seamlessly into "Lola," another track from Eve. This song showcases Kidjo's ability to blend different genres, as it incorporates elements of reggae, Latin music, and African rhythms. The result is a joyous, upbeat track that showcases Kidjo's multi-faceted approach to music.
The third song of the set, "Afirika," was a tribute to the continent that Kidjo calls home. The song is a paean to the beauty, diversity, and energy of Africa, celebrating everything from the wildlife to the vibrant music and culture. Like many of Kidjo's songs, it combines different genres and styles to create a rich tapestry of sound that is uniquely her own.
One of the highlights of the performance was a cover of "Afrika," a classic song by the late Nigerian musician Fela Kuti. Kidjo put her own spin on the song, infusing it with her signature vocal style and adding nods to other genres like funk and jazz. The result was a high-energy tribute that paid homage to Kuti while showcasing Kidjo's own talents.
The set also included tracks from Kidjo's most recent album, Sings, which features her interpretations of songs by other African artists. One such track was "Blewu," a tune by the Ghanaian musician Hedzoleh Soundz. Kidjo's interpretation of the song adds her own flavor, incorporating elements of gospel, soul, and blues into the mix.
The show also featured some quieter moments, such as when Kidjo performed "Once in a Lifetime," a song by the Talking Heads that she covered on her album Remain in Light. The stripped-down arrangement allowed Kidjo to showcase her voice and the song's powerful lyrics, which speak to the fleeting nature of human experience and the need to make the most of every moment.
Another memorable moment in the set came when Kidjo performed the song "M'baamba," which is a tribute to the women of Africa. The song is a call to action for women to stand up for their rights and to work together to create a better future. Kidjo's impassioned vocals and uplifting message made for a powerful moment that resonated with the audience.
Overall, Angelique Kidjo's performance on Austin City Limits was a tour de force that showcased her incredible talent as a vocalist, performer, and ambassador for African music. With her infectious energy and unmistakable style, she brought the crowd to their feet and left them wanting more.
