NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Popular Beninese music legend, Angelique Kidjo, has expressed her disapproval of musicians who use their art to promote politicians or political parties.
The Grammy-winning icon explained that she deliberately avoids making music for political figures because political power is temporary, noting that artists who align themselves with politicians risk losing relevance once regimes change.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Female Poets Society podcast, Kidjo encouraged fellow artists to serve as the voice of the people rather than the voice of those in power.
Kidjo recalled her father’s advice, saying, “My father always used to tell us, especially me as a singer, never write music for any political party because they come and they go, and once they’re gone, you go with them.
“Write your music with your own opinions — be free in your expression. Don’t sell your voice to anyone, because once you do, you stop being the voice of the people and become the voice of power. And when that power shifts, you’re thrown out with it.”