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The queen of African music, Angélique Kidjo, a two-time Grammy Award winner, will have her debut concert in Hong Kong on October 29. Teaming up with an ensemble of top musicians for a night of high-energy performance, Kidjo will impress audience members with her uplifting voice that transcends culture and language.
Steeped in the expansive musical landscape of Africa, the thrilling vocals of Kidjo resonate with the heart and lift the soul skywards. She draws on jazz, soul, reggae, folk, Afropop and Afrobeat, among other influences, to create an iconic blend of music that embraces the world. She sings in English, French, Yoruba and Fon and has collaborated with stars such as Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Branford Marsalis, Dianne Reeves and Alicia Keys.
Praised by Time magazine as "Africa's premier diva", Kidjo was born and raised in Benin, West Africa. She discovered her affinity for music early, first performing with her mother's theatre troupe at the age of 6. Since then, her spellbinding journey as a vocalist has earned her critical acclaim and numerous prizes, including two Grammy Awards for her albums "Djin Djin" (2008) and "EVE" (2014).
Appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2002, Kidjo is a passionate advocate for the education and rights of children and young people. In 2007, she established the Batonga Foundation, which seeks to provide secondary and higher education for girls in Africa. Her ongoing social commitment has been highlighted globally at diverse events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert in South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize concerts and special shows at the United Nations General Assembly.
The concert by Angélique Kidjo is one of the programmes of the World Cultures Festival - A Decade of Exquisite Arts. It will be held at 8pm on October 29 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall.
Tickets priced at $150, $250, $350 and $450 are now available at URBTIX. Half-price tickets are available for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and their minders, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Other booking discounts of up to 20 per cent are available.
Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the World Cultures Festival 2015 - A Decade of Exquisite Arts is running from October 16 to November 15, featuring an array of artistic gems representing rich and diverse cultures from around the globe, in celebration of the festival's 10th anniversary.
Programme brochures are available at URBTIX outlets or at the website www.worldfestival.gov.hk. For programme enquiries, please call 2370 1044.
Internet bookings can be made at www.urbtix.hk. Credit card telephone bookings can be made on 2111 5999.
Ends/Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:00
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