Fearless and powerful: Why Angelique Kidjo refuses to make political music

Renowned Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo has expressed her views on artists who use their music to glorify or promote politicians and political parties.

The Grammy-winning legend Angelique Kidjo stated that she avoids making music for politicians because political power is temporary, stressing that any artist who aligns their music with a political regime risks losing relevance once that government changes.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Female Poets Society podcast, Angeligue Kidjo encouraged fellow musicians to serve as voices of the people rather than voices of those in power.

“My father always used to say to us, especially to me as a singer, do not write music for any political party because they come and they go, and once they’re gone, you go with it.

“Write your music with your opinions, be free writing your music. Don’t be sold to somebody because therefore, you don’t become the voice of the people anymore, you become the voice of the power. And when that power shifted, you’re off the window,” Angelique Kidjo recalled.