With a powerful voice and astounding performance capabilities, Angélique Kidjo epitomizes world music at its best. This hard-working singer/songwriter was born in West Africa. She grew up listening to James Brown, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, and Santana. Her music combines traditional African beats with flavors she picked up from these artists and other artists from around the world.
I saw Angélique perform earlier this year, and her commanding stage presence impressed me immediately. After hearing the passion in her songs, the rhythm, the blending of musical styles and her magnificent voice, I immediately went out and got her latest album - "Djin Djin". I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Her music reaches beyond language barriers and invokes a sense of world unity and peace.
Angélique has released duets with many other popular artists such as Santana, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews Band, Ziggy Marley, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys & Joss Stone. Several of these appear on "Djin Djin".
You'll find a great blending of styles on this album. My personal favorites are "Salala" and the haunting rendition of Ravel's Bolero ("Lonlon"). The tracks are:
- Ae Ae
- Djin Djin (featuring Alicia Keys & Branford Marsalis)
- Gimme Shelter (featuring Joss Stone)
- Salala (featuring Peter Gabriel)
- Senamou (C'Est l'Amour) (featuring Amandou & Mariam)
- Pearls (featuring Carlos Santana & Josh Groban)
- Sedjedo (featuring Ziggy Marley)
- Papa
- Arouna
- Awan N'la
- Emma
- Mama Golo Papa
- Lonlon (Ravel's Bolero)
Gimme Shelter:
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