Angelique Kidjo Explains Why She Avoids Making Political Music

Acclaimed Beninese singer and Grammy-winning music icon Angelique Kidjo has shared her strong opinion on musicians who use their music to praise or promote politicians and political parties, revealing why she avoids that path in her own career.

Dependable NG reports that Kidjo explained that she does not make music for political figures because political powers are ephemeral. She emphasized the risk that an artist who dedicates their music to politicians might lose relevance or fade away once there is a change in the regime.

Speaking in a recent episode of the Female Poets Society podcast, Kidjo recalled the wisdom passed down by her father. “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,” she recounted.

Kidjo urged her colleagues to prioritize their artistic freedom and remain the voices of the people rather than the voices of the powerful. “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,” she concluded, stressing the importance of maintaining independence and creative integrity.