Lorna Irvine reviews the 'unique show for Celtic Connections'.
Benin-born singer and activist Angelique Kidjo's voice is one hell of an instrument--soaring, fluttering and growling; whether elegiac or euphoric. So it's fascinating to see her team up with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra for this unique show for Celtic Connections.
It doesn't always work, initially; a slow-burn making you yearn for African drums in the more up-tempo songs as Kidjo sways and shakes. But eventually, it all falls into place. The chiming bells in ‘Fifa’ sound portentous and cinematic, and Kidjo creates her own rhythm section with “ch-ch-ch” sounds and defiant yelps during a song which translates as 'Freedom'. A cover of 'Summertime' translated into Beninese dialect shimmers with sensuality, the strings adding a creepy undercurrent.
She's massively charismatic, whether speaking out against terrorism or the rights for girls' education worldwide. The lullaby she wrote for her now twenty-one year-old daughter 'Naima' elicits goosebumps, as her voice wavers with emotion.
Yet, her polemical emotive side is only one half - she's a frequently playful presence, too, whether teasing conductor/composer Gast Waltzing or sprinting around--too much energy for the entire auditorium.
Like the world's coolest music teacher, she leads everyone in a spirited chorus of 'Afrika', before triumphantly lapping the entire hall, high-fiving and cuddling anyone within reach. What an incredible woman, and a smouldering success.
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