Oct. 11, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: LISA WOSKE
(805) 756-7110
Angelique Kidjo Brings Afro-Brazilian Pop to Performing Arts Center Nov. 4
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA – “A beautiful ethnic tapestry.”
That’s how
the New York Post describes the electrifying Afro-pop/Brazilian rhythms
of soulful singer Angelique Kidjo, performing at 8 p.m. on Thursday,
November 4, 2004 at the Christopher Cohan Center.
Backed by an eight-member band on a tour filled with joyful, spunky,
dance-inspiring beats, a Kidjo concert promises a pumped-up evening of
driving drums, zesty samba-like grooves, and a sound that is uniquely
Angelique Kidjo.
Cal Poly Arts presents the West African-born/Paris- and Brooklyn-based
songstress, whose blend of West African traditions with elements of
American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and
Latin
America, has garnered three Grammy nominations.
Music’s ability to cross borders, transcend boundaries, and unite
people
is one of the key inspirations behind Kidjo’s artistry.
Throughout her career, Kidjo has collaborated with a diverse group of
artists, like Santana and Gilberto Gil. Her duet with Dave Matthews on
the song “Iwoya,” which appeared on her “Black Ivory
Soul,” was a
critical success that greatly helped widen her fan base.
Kidjo’s previous two releases explored African roots in international
music: “Oremi” incorporated the music found in the U.S.; “Black
Ivory
Soul” featured music from Brazil.
Her latest album in the trilogy, “Oyaya!” fuses African and
French
lyrics to music that draws upon musical traditions of the Caribbean
Diaspora.
Kidjo penned 13 original songs in a variety of indigenous Caribbean
styles, including salsa, calypso, meringue and ska. Kidjo sings the
numbers in English, French and African languages Yoruba and Fon.
“I went to Cuba two years ago and met some old musicians there,”
Kidjo
says. “It gave me strength and inspiration, because you realize
that
music is really the thread of the memory of humankind. You saw old
people that, once they picked up their instruments and started singing,
were transformed into something else.”
She continues, “You have the example of the Buena Vista Social
Club, but
actually going to Cuba, you understand why the Buena Vista Social Club
worked...It’s not something fake. It’s their life.”
Ultimately, Angelique Kidjo’s music personifies the theme of
interconnection and universalism. “There’s only own humankind
— I
believe that in my gut,” Kidjo confirms.
“The reason I believe this so strongly is because I was raised
in Africa
and if you are raised in nature, you understand and respect every life.
(Once) you understand that, there’s no need to hate anybody anymore.
There’s no need to say ‘they’ and ‘we’...we
are all one.”
Tickets for the performance range from $22 - $34, with student discounts
available, and may be purchased at the Performing Arts Ticket Office,
10
a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. To order by
phone, call 805/756-2787; to order by fax: 805/756-6088. Order on-line
at www.pacslo.org.
Sponsored by American Airlines/American Eagle and KCBX 90.1 FM.
For audio and video samples of Cal Poly Arts events, visit
www.calpolyarts.org.
- 30 -