Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo has cautioned fellow musicians against creating music to praise politicians or political parties, noting that political power is temporary and artists tied to it risk losing relevance when regimes change.
During a recent episode of the Female Poets Society podcast, she recalled her father’s advice to avoid writing for any political party, as leaders come and go, and artists who align with them fade when the power shifts.
Kidjo emphasised that musicians should express their own opinions freely and remain independent to stay true as the voice of the people, rather than becoming spokespersons for those in power.
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Once that power changes, she warned, such artists are quickly forgotten.
She encouraged colleagues to focus on representing the people, ensuring their art endures beyond any political cycle.
“My father always used to say to us, especially to me as a singer, 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 therefore, you don’t become the voice of the people anymore, you become the voice of the power. And when that power shifted, you’re off the window,” she said.
