Angélique Kidjo named 2023 Polar Music Prize laureate

Founded in 1989, the annual accolade, nicknamed the ‘Nobel Prize of Music’, celebrates exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of contemporary and classical music. 

A five-time Grammy winner, Kidjo becomes the third African to score that accolade after South African doyen Miriam Makeba in 2002 and Senegalese maestro  Youssou N'Dour (2013). Her latest feat follows her Album of the Year nomination at this year’s International Folk Music Awards in January.

She shares the accolade with British industry vet Chris Blackwell and Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, all of whom will receive a trophy and cash award of 600 000 kronor ($58 000) each. She also joins an elite cast of previous winners including Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Quincy Jones and Yo-Yo Ma.

Kidjo is behind 16 albums, and her music blends traditional African music with elements of jazz, funk, and various other Western styles. She is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund.

“So proud to be the laureate of the Polar Music Prize along with my musical godfather Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records who discovered me, and along with the great composer Arvo Pärt,” Kidjo said. “Thanks to all my fans, my family, my team and the African continent which has inspired me and supported me all these years.”

The awards described Kidjo as “a unique and unstoppable artist and songwriter,” adding, “When a communist dictatorship tried to silence her, she moved to Paris and became even more active.”