Davido, 3 Other Nigerian Collaborations with Angélique Kidjo

Angélique Kidjo, renowned for her eclectic musical prowess and vibrant fusion of cultural influences, has long been a prominent figure on the global music stage.

With a career decorated with Grammy awards and recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people, her collaborations with Nigerian artists have been particularly notable, bridging cultural divides and crafting hits that resonate across continents.

With a career highlighted by 14 Grammy nominations and five wins, plus recognition as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, Kidjo’s musical journey began when she was only six years old, achieving fame in her teens.

Rooted in a heritage that bridges Benin and Nigeria, Kidjo’s upbringing in a culturally rich environment is evident in her artistry. She fluently uses Fon, French, Yorùbá, Gen (Mina), and English in her music, enhancing her roles as a songwriter, actress, and activist. 

Her sound is a vibrant mix of West African traditions fused with American R&B, funk, jazz, and influences from Europe and Latin America, making her music universally resonant.

Kidjo’s Grammy journey started with her album “Djin Djin,” which earned her the Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2008. She continued to garner acclaim with albums like “Eve,” “Sings,” and “Mother Nature,” each earning Grammys in their respective years. Her album “Celia” in 2020 also won a Grammy, affirming her role as a major voice in world music.

Her collaborations range from icons like Tina Turner and John Legend to dynamic figures in the Nigerian music scene. Here are her top collaborations with nigerian artiste.

Davido

Davido recently teased the upcoming release of “Joy,” a collaboration with Angélique Kidjo set to premiere soon.

This announcement follows their earlier joint track “Na Money” from Davido’s album “Timeless,” which also featured The Cavemen. The excitement for “Joy” is building, promising another hit that blends Kidjo’s iconic sound with Davido’s dynamic energy.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy teamed up with Angélique Kidjo for the track “Different” from his 2019 album “African Giant.” This album not only earned a Grammy nomination but also brought together Kidjo and Damian Marley, showcasing a rich tapestry of global music influences. 

In a memorable Grammy moment, Kidjo dedicated her win for the album “Celia” to Burna Boy, acknowledging his role in shaping how the world sees African music.

Their partnership continued with the song “Do Yourself” on Kidjo’s album “Mother Nature” in 2021, which was also recognized at the Grammy Awards. 

These collaborations underscore a mutual respect and a shared vision for pushing African music to broader audiences.

Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade and Angélique Kidjo have not held back, gifting fans with three collaborations. Their musical journey began with “Shekere,” a vibrant update of Kidjo’s song “Wombo Lombo.” The energy of this track is infectious, celebrating African rhythms and melodies with a modern twist.

They then moved to more poignant themes with “Dignity,” a powerful response to the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria, emphasizing a universal message against brutality and for respect and dignity in human interactions.

Their latest joint effort, “African Woman,” from Alade’s “Rebel Queen” album, continues to celebrate the strength and resilience of women across Africa, highlighting both artists’ commitment to empowering messages through music.

Mr. Eazi

See How Mr. Eazi’s VC Fund Targets Growth in Nigeria’s music sceneMr. Eazi and Angélique Kidjo’s creative synergy first manifested in the song “Africa, One of A Kind,” a nod to Salif Keita’s “Africa.” This collaboration was a celebration of African heritage, threading musical legacies with contemporary sounds.

Their second collaboration, “Òròkórò,” cleverly integrates elements from Kidjo’s “Wombo Lombo,” proving that past hits can find new life in today’s music landscape. Recorded across Ghana and Benin, this track is a testament to their fluid musical journey and shared cultural pride.