This April one of the greatest forces in African music ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO returns to Sydney Opera House along with the multi-Grammy Award-winning American blues singer/guitarist and songwriter, KEB' MO' in his first Australian tour with full band. Angelique Kidjo has done more to popularise African music than any other contemporary. Fusing Afro-funk, salsa, reggae, gospel, jazz and more with shades of classic American rock, pop and soul, her booming voice and infectious, joyous stage presence make it impossible to stand still. Not only an amazing songstress and storyteller, she has an amazing story herself. Having grown up in the West African state of Benin and being forced into exile to avoid imprisonment, this Grammy award winning artist still bears witness to her African roots. Her fierce advocacy of humanitarianism and women's rights, prompted Time Magazine to call her "Africa's premier diva" and The Guardian to list her in their Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World. "Her spirit is irrepressible, and she brings life to everything she touches" - Peter Gabriel ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO's 2010 album release 'Oyo', features John Legend, Bono and Dianne Reeves, and is deeply introspective, reflecting on the events that have brought her to this point. ANGÉLIQUE's Special Guest KEB' MO' is a mesmerising performer with a rich, distinctive, smoky voice. His music has long been regarded as a living link to the seminal Delta blues, and though his roots are in the Deep South, his success has spread worldwide. KEB' MO' is one of those performers who have taken the blues beyond its traditional audience; with his wide-ranging, appealing music and infectious performances and for the very first time he will be touring Australia with a full band.
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