By Zuko Komisa
Angélique Kidjo who is a five-time Grammy Award-Winning Beninese artist and international sensation gave a memorable performance as the 1,000th guest of Tiny Desk Concert.
The songwriter, actress, and activist has had a career spanning decades.
Time magazine referred to her as “Africa’s premier diva” in 2007. On July 23, 2021, she gave a performance at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, and Time Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential persons in the world.
She was the perfect choice for NPR’s historic milestone.
Kidjo’s band played songs from her 2021 album Mother Nature took audiences a decade with a performance of the song “Afrika,” which inspires strength for the African people.
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Kidjo performed “Pata Pata,” Miriam Makeba’s 1967 international classic, as a tribute to her friend and mentor.
It was a beautiful approach to highlighting the positive effects that music can have on our relationships with one another.
Her set list included “Mother Nature” “Free & Equal” (feat. Sampa The Great) “Afrika” as well as”Pata Pata”.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE:
Bob B Boilen who is the host and creator of NPR’s online music show, expressed his excitement about reaching the 1000th performance milestone.
“When I started the Tiny Desk series in April 2008, I never imagined its impact. So many artists’ voices have been raised and shared with music fans worldwide through these performances. “
“I’m speechless. I’ve always been a listener to the Tiny Desk Concerts. They show that there’s more than just American musicians we have to focus on. The Tiny Desk Concerts bring the whole world into this tiny place where you can make miracles and wonder.
The Tiny Desk Concerts remind us that we are each other’s keepers and that music is a universal language. It doesn’t matter who is behind the microphone, the music goes straight into our DNA and touches our hearts.” said Boilen.
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