Grammy award-winning Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo has advised fellow musicians to resist the temptation of producing songs that glorify politicians or political parties, stressing that political power is temporary, and artistes who attach themselves to it risk fading when regimes change.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Female Poets Society podcast, Angélique Kidjo recalled her late father’s timeless counsel, urging her never to write for any political party because leaders come and go and when they leave, the artistes who supported them often lose relevance.
She emphasised that musicians must remain independent voices of the people, freely expressing their views without being swayed by political influence or financial inducements.
Quoting her father’s words,Angélique Kidjo said: “Do not write music for any political party because they come and they go, and once they’re gone, you go with it.
“Write your music with your opinions, be free writing your music. Don’t be sold to somebody because you don’t become the voice of the people anymore , you become the voice of the power. And when that power shifts, you’re off the window.”
She encouraged artistes to focus on creating music that reflects the realities, struggles, and hopes of the people, ensuring that their art stands the test of time beyond any political cycle.
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