Angelique Kidjo

Musician, Activist, African Queen

NORTH ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS — Beninese world music icon Angelique Kidjo descends for an intimate acoustic performance that will change your life. “The power of Kidjo’s unflappable voice, the range of her emotional expression, the stellar, genre-bending musicians who back her, and the infectious, activist energy that courses through her songs all transcend any native tongue” (NPR Music). The powerhouse performs in MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center on Saturday, February 13, at 8pm.

Called “Africa’s premier diva” by Time Magazine, Angelique Kidjo’s powerful voice and multi-genre musical chops combine Afro pop, gospel, and jazz and know no bounds. Recognized world-wide as one of the most inspiring and influential women in music, Kidjo conveys a universal message to all fighting for their rights. Seeking to upend negative representations of her beloved homeland Benin, she encourages the world to embrace the joy of Africa. Positivity shines through in her songs such as “Djin Djin”, about the sound of an African bell tolling to meet the new day.

Kidjo received her first Grammy nomination for her song “Agolo”, a dance-pop number focused on environmental issues. Her music more typically celebrates African identity, with a special focus on African women, and Kidjo honors her heritage through the inclusion of village choirs in her songs. Not only does her music inspire activism in its audience, but Kidjo is also a UNICEF International Goodwill Ambassador, and founder of Batonga Foundation for girl’s education in Africa, helping young women realize positive futures through access to education. Kidjo has become a feminist icon providing a voice for women’s struggles. Her Grammy Award-winning album Eve is dedicated to the women of Africa for their beauty and resilience. Kidjo’s star-studded collaborations include Carlos Santana, Ziggy Marley, Peter Gabriel, John Legend, and Bono.

World music superstar Angelique Kidjo dazzles in an acoustic duo performance in MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center on Saturday, February 13, at 8pm. Dinner will be available at Lickety Split before and during the show. Tickets are $32 in advance, $30 for students (in advance), $39 day of, and $49 preferred. Tickets for all events are available through the MASS MoCA box office located on Marshall Street in North Adams, open 11am to 5pm every day except Tuesdays through spring 2016. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 x1 during box office hours or purchased online at massmoca.org. All events are held rain or shine.

Sponsorship
This performance is sponsored by WRSI and The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA.

Images
High-resolution images of MASS MoCA’s spring 2016 events are available through this link: bit.ly/1NL6mgv

About MASS MoCA
MASS MoCA is one of the world’s liveliest (and largest) centers for making and enjoying today’s most important art, music, dance, theater, film, and video. Hundreds of works of visual and performing art have been created on its 19^th-century factory campus during fabrication and rehearsal residencies, making MASS MoCA among the most productive sites in the country for the creation and presentation of new art. More platform than box, MASS MoCA strives to bring to its audiences art experiences that are fresh, engaging, and transformative.

MASS MoCA’s galleries are open 11am to 5pm every day except Tuesdays through spring 2016. The Hall Art Foundation’s Anselm Kiefer exhibition is seasonal and reopens April 30, 2016. Gallery admission is $18 for adults, $16 for veterans and seniors, $12 for students, $8 for children 6 to 16, and free for children 5 and under. Members are admitted free year-round. For additional information, call 413.662.2111 x1 or visit massmoca.org.

Download the Angelique Kidjo press release