For award-winning world music artist Angelique Kidjo, whom the New York Times lauded for her "chest-rattling alto," calling her a "superhero," 2010 has been one full of achievements.
In addition to a sold-out debut concert at Carnegie Hall last month, the Beninese singer also performed an amazing rendition of the Curtis Mayfield classic 'Move On Up' earlier this year at the FIFA World Cup Kickoff Concert broadcast worldwide from South Africa. The song also featured vocals from R&B singer John Legend and U2 frontman Bono.
That's not all.
Earlier this year, Kidjo reflected on Benin's fifty years of independence in her poignant essay "Daughter of Independence."
Kidjo also made countless appearances, which included the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Vancouver Olympics, the Montreux Jazz Festival and The World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures among other premiere events. If that wasn't enough, Kidjo continues her humanitarian work not only through her organization Batonga Foundation, which has partnered with African Well Fund and Africare to provide hand pumps and clean water to Batonga girls in Benin, but also as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Peace Ambassador for the African Union.
Known to champion the rights of women and girls, it's fitting that she will speak at the 2010 TEDWomen's "Reshaping the Future" conference Dec. 7-8 in Washington, D.C. The program highlights women as powerful innovators and architects of change.
She also received the Officier Des Arts Et Des Lettres award from the French Government, as well as an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee School of Music.
Last night, it was announced that Kidjo's tenth album 'OYO' is nominated for a 2010 Grammy in the category of Best Contemporary World Music.
Kidjo is simply unstoppable.
Source: BV