Grammy-winner Angélique Kidjo says she avoids making music for politicians because power is fleeting and artists aligned with it risk losing relevance when regimes change.
Angélique Kidjo, the Grammy-winning singer from Benin, recently reaffirmed her long-held stance: she refuses to write music for political parties or leaders. Speaking on the Female Poets Society podcast, she explained that political power is temporary and music tied to it can quickly become outdated.
Kidjo recalled advice from her father: “Do not write music for any political party because they come and they go, and once they’re gone, you go with it.” She said artists should remain voices of the people, not voices of power.
Read Also: Burna Boy Suggests Fela Kuti Remains the Only African Music Icon at His Level
Table of contents [Show]
Kidjo stressed that music tied to a leader or party loses independence. She said when the power shifts, the artist’s relevance can fade because they were aligned with the regime rather than their audience.
Growing up during a communist-style regime in Benin, Kidjo witnessed musicians being pressured into propaganda. She said that experience taught her early how quickly aligned music becomes outdated when a regime ends.
Her message serves as a reminder for artists: aligning too closely with political figures may compromise artistic freedom and longevity. She believes true influence comes from being relatable and timeless, not tied to power.
By choosing independence over endorsements, Kidjo retains a voice that spans generations and regimes. Her career shows that music with integrity endures beyond political cycles.
Grammy-winner Burna Boy made a memorable appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, entering through a “Spirit Tunnel” flanked by Yoruba drummers. He discussed his album No Sign of Weakness and showcased Nigerian culture on global television.
Veteran Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti credits his lasting career to treating music like medicine—practiced daily, crafted with purpose, and kept real. He challenged rising artists to study their craft, not just chase hits.
Rapper Nicki Minaj commends former U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to designate Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom, while calling attention to global violence against Christians.
