Montreal’s Nuits d’Afrique honours Angélique Kidjo

The legendary Franco-Beninese singer and UNICEF ambassador, Angélique Kidjo, was honoured Thursday in Montreal by the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique.

The festival, which celebrates its 37^th edition, running until July 23, brings together more than 700 artists from over 30 countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

The president of the city’s executive committee and responsible for the French language, Dominique Ollivier, presented the Prix de la francophonie Nuits d’Afrique to Angélique Kidjo, who has been a long-time ambassador for African music.

Ericka Alneus, in charge of culture and heritage for the city’s executive committee, was also present at the awards ceremony.

Montreal mayor Valerie Plante, in a speech delivered remotely – honoured Kidjo, referring to her as a “an inspiration for everyone” with her “incredible career,” “powerful voice,” and her “charismatic energy.” The mayor also paid tribute to Kidjo’s extensive humanitarian work with UNICEF.

‘Montreal feels like home’

Accepting the award, Kidjo thanked all Montreal residents, and said that ever since she first set foot in the city she has always felt at home.

She also spoke of the motivation her parents (also artists) provided for her early on in her life, stressing to her that there was nothing she couldn’t do and that the colour of her skin and her gender didn’t matter.

“Whatever you want to do, make sure to do it well,” Kidjo told the audience her parents advised her.

Until July 23, the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique welcomes music lovers with an extensive 13-day program featuring 700 artists on two outdoor stages at the Quartier des spectacles and six indoor venues.