Multi-award-winning Beninese music legend Angelique Kidjo is the third African to win the prestigious Polar Music prize. The award is annually given to one contemporary musician and one classical musician. She was announced as the 2023 winner alongside Chris Blackwell from the United Kingdom and Arvo Pärt from Estonia
Speaking on the prize, Angelique Kidjo says to be awarded the Polar Music Prize is humbling, saying she lacked words to say how important this is for her. It comes with a sense of responsibility that is bestowed upon her as an artist to continue to do great work. Kidjo joins South Africa’s Mariam Makeba who won in 2002 and Senegalese Youssou N’dour who won in 2013 as the only African to have won the Polar Music Prize.