Angelique Kidjo Returns to Boulder Theater
A week after performing at the World Cup Kick-off concert in Johannesburg, Angelique Kidjo visited Boulder Theater for the first of only four US shows on her current tour. Kidjo has a history with Boulder, having performed there several times in recent years.
“Boulder is one of my five favorite cities in America,” Kidjo told Colorado Daily’s Wendy Kale. “I want everyone who comes out to forget their worries and celebrate being alive.”
“This moment will be very special in Boulder.”
And the show was indeed filled with special moments. Kidjo opened with a song she said was the first song she ever performed to an audience at the age of 6. Later, before performing “Petite Fleur” she explained that her late father used to sing the song to her when she was upset or frustrated.
She also performed covers of some of her favorite artists including Miriam Makeba and James Brown. She added her own flavor to each song, describing the process as akin to making a smoothie. She puts all these various influences in a blender and comes out with something wonderful. She sang a Santana cover translated into Yoruba amidst songs sung in French, English, Fon, Swahili, and even Hindi.
While she played hits from her numerous past albums Kidjo gave the crowd some new music from her latest album “Oyo”. The audience went wild to Oyo’s first hit single “Move on Up”, and Angelique herself seemed to have limitless energy.
She interacted with the audience throughout, leaving the stage to sing ‘Afirika’ while moving through the crowd. Toward the end of the show she invited on stage anyone who wanted to come, and ended up with a stage full of people taking turns showing off their dance skills.
When the music stopped the doors opened to release sweaty and satisfied concert-goers singing their versions of Kidjo’s songs into the cool night air. We’re glad Angelique feels so strongly toward Boulder because Boulder certainly loves her.
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