The World Is Paying Attention, says Daraloye on Angélique Kidjo’s Hollywood Honour
Africa’s ageless music virtuoso, and Grammy Awards winner, Angélique Kidjo has been a shooting star projecting the sounds of Africa and the stories to the international space and diverse audiences. Her decades-long contribution, on Tuesday night, received one of its most significant recognitions when the Beninese singer was honoured with a star on the Hollywood […]
Music journalist Emmanuel Daraloye praised Angélique Kidjo for receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday night. This recognition marks Kidjo as Africa's first musician and Black African performer to receive a star on this renowned landmark, signifying a historic moment for African music. Kidjo, a Grammy Awards winner and Africa's ageless music virtuoso, has been projecting the sounds of Africa to diverse international audiences for decades.
Daraloye highlighted that listening to African music is a distinct experience from merely paying attention to it. He emphasized the significance of Kidjo's recognition, noting that it not only acknowledges her exceptional achievement but also highlights the foundational role of African musicians in shaping global music culture. Daraloye pointed out that while contemporary Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid are globally recognized, they often overlook African music's historical contributions.
He stressed the importance of understanding and communicating African music's rich history to foster greater global appreciation. Daraloye drew parallels between Kidjo's career and that of earlier African music pioneers such as King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obe, and Fela Anikulapo Kuti. These legends laid the groundwork for contemporary African music, influencing lives and cultures across the world.
He argued that without their pioneering efforts, record labels would have been less inclined to invest in African music. The conversation between Daraloye and music expert Mazino on News Central shed light on the broader context of African music's global success. African music today, particularly Afrobeats, has surged onto international charts, collaborated with global artists, and sold out major venues worldwide.
However, this phenomenon is the result of years of experimentation, cultural exchange, and the enduring impact of earlier artists who drew international attention to African sounds. Daraloye acknowledged the pivotal role played by artists like Kidjo in establishing sustainable international recognition while maintaining deep cultural connections.
He cautioned contemporary artists against neglecting their roots and urged them to learn from the mastery of legends like Kidjo. Daraloye also criticized some artists for their limited understanding of history and advocated for greater awareness of Africa's cultural and musical heritage to enhance their international representation.
He emphasized the necessity of record labels and urged contemporary artists to collaborate and strengthen the creative sector. Daraloye highlighted the challenges Nigerian artists face, such as limited access to live performances due to security concerns, and urged the government to provide financial support through loans and grants. He called for unity among Nigerian music artists and an end to the divisions within the industry.
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