Angélique Kidjo has an
amazing voice.
Its resonance filled the hall,
expressive and warm. I know that she is famous for the length of time she can
hold a note. That is impressive, but it may not be useful, depending on the
quality of the note. That is not a problem here. She achieved this volume
without sounding hoarse or bombastic, and at first it was hard to focus on
anything but my awe.
As you get used to the
power, it begins to feel appropriate. The warmth of her voice and delivery
coincides with the warmth of her personality. She is funny and nurturing, and
it would come through in her stories and explanations even without being aware
of her activism and advocacy.
Kidjo's strength and
vitality would be obvious in her dancing and teasing of the audience and
playfulness with the conductor. After many songs her energy only grew, sending
her out into the audience.
It starts to make a
certain sense that all of these qualities would manifest themselves vocally.
And yet, that isn't necessarily right either, because many wonderful people
cannot sing a note. Somehow in this person it works out, a voice and a heart to
inspire, matched up perfectly in one gift to music.
I have been listening to
some of Kidjo's recordings, and I recognize many of the songs from the
performance: "Kelele", "Afirika", "Fifa". They
are good, and then there were fun surprises. I was especially glad to hear her
version of Boléro, "Lonlon".
But I know now that you
do not get the full affect of her greatness through a recording. If you have an
opportunity to hear her in person, you should grab for it.
I am grateful to my
friend Karen for taking me.
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