REVIEW: ANGELIQUE KIDJO

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Posted: October 13, 2008 - 9:37 am

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By DAWNELL SMITH

Where to begin.

Perhaps with the way her voice summoned up something beyond words in a language beyond knowing.

Though some people at the Angelique Kidjo concert Sunday night spoke a bit of French, few knew even a word of the Benin-born singer’s native language. Or, for that matter, the internal language she creates through the sonic variances of jazz and African vocal traditions, pop and hip-hop, daily life and daily blessings.

Yet everyone from the young to old understood her music, at times putting aside rules about not standing in the aisles. Indeed, by the time Kidjo began her groove-infused version of the Stone’s tune, “Gimme Shelter,” people gathering in front of the stage and by their seats to dance.

Ushers moved them along between songs, but Kidjo would have nothing of it. She politely, but relentlessly, insisted on seeing people dance, hearing people sing, all part and parcel of her musical sensibility.

Kidjo won a Grammy for the top Contemporary World Music release of 2008 for her album “Djin Djin,” but to describe her work as world music sounds trite. Her sound incorporates everything from pop and funk to the traditional music of the Caribbean, Brazil and Africa — a fusion of musical forms as varied and connected as reggae, salsa, zouk, juju music and jazz — and her touring band includes musicians from Africa and Brazil.

Her Anchorage playlist included songs like “Arouna,” “Papa,” “Mama Golo Papa” and “Ae Ae” from her Grammy-winning album, along with tunes from her other nine CDs.

When on stage, the woman moved as if friction didn’t apply to her, fusing dance styles in an exuberant, effortless display of joyful physicality. Though nearly 50 years old, she showed more resilience and endurance than many younger stars.

She opened with a bevy of songs before saying a word, but by the end of the night, she had touched on the stupidity of generalization and the wisdom of honoring one’s identity; the passion she feels for Africa and her love of America; the importance of living with joy and developing compassion.

She spoke too long at times, but used her stories and thoughts to extend a connection with the audience, which she cultivated through words, sounds, movement and collaboration.

After one tempered sing-a-long, she announced, “I want more voices, more commitment, more love.” So she sang her way into the audience by walking up the aisles shaking hands, meeting people eye to eye, rousing voices.

Soon after, she invited people on stage and a 100 or more bodies gathered around her and the band. Singing all the time, Kidjo weaved in and out of pockets of space while encouraging shy children to dance and dancers to take the spotlight.

This act of inclusion, together with the infectious sound of her music, most acutely conveyed her message of community and individuality, collective strength and personal fortitude. After everyone walked off stage, she finished with a jubilant and mindful encore.

Kidjo opened the show to a polite audience just out of the snow. Over 90 minutes later, she left them standing for more.

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