Angelique Kidjo is currently on tour, bringing her ultra-high-energy world music vibe to cities around the globe…including a stop right here in Purchase, NY tomorrow night. Despite a whirlwind schedule, she was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for us about her work and the upcoming show at The Purchase PAC.
You were recently awarded the Polar Music Prize – congrats! For those that don’t know, could you tell us what that is and what it recognizes?
This is considered the Nobel Prize in music which recognizes my whole career. So it is very moving for me, especially because I am receiving it along with Chris Blackwell the founder of Island Records. It was Chris who discovered me and signed me 35 years ago!
You are in the middle of a World Tour for your Grammy-winning Mother Nature album. It looks like quite a demanding schedule! How do you keep your energy up while on tour?
I am focusing on resting a lot, eating well, and exercising! I don’t drink and I don’t smoke. I guess my energy comes from all of that!
Your career spans many years; you have 16 albums to your name – that is a lot of material. When you are performing live, how do you choose what makes it on the setlist?
I make a mix of songs from my entire career. I have released so many albums recently so it is easy to choose. I tend to choose the songs that I enjoy singing! People feel it and share the joy with me!
Do you have a particular favorite song that you LOVE to perform live? Why that song?
There are so many songs I love. For many years I sang Malaika at every concert because it was the song of my mentor Miriam Mekeba.
What can the audience expect from the show at Purchase on April 15?
A gumbo of many of my albums. Get your dancing shoes ready!
