Grammy-winning singer Angélique Kidjo has declared she avoids making “political music” to preserve her role as a truth-teller, saying that aligning with parties can compromise an artist’s independence.
“My father always used to say … ‘do not write music for any political party because they come and go, and once they’re gone, you go with it,’” Kidjo recalled in an interview.
She emphasised that when musicians become the voice of power rather than the people, they risk losing credibility once power shifts. > “Don’t be sold to somebody … you are no longer the voice of the people; you become the voice of power. And when that power shifts, you’re out the window.”
Kidjo’s comments come amid a global climate where artists are increasingly pressured to pick political sides. She warned that sacrificing artistic freedom in exchange for short-term gain undermines the cultural role of music.
“Write your music with your opinion, be free in writing your music…” she said.
The Beninese-French vocalist also pointed to Western societies, noting that freedom is often taken for granted. > “The thing I always say to western people who have had freedom all these years is that you take it for granted… in a heartbeat it can be taken away from you.”
As she remains an active voice in global music and culture, Kidjo insisted that staying independent ensures artists can speak truthfully on social issues over time rather than being tied to transient political winds.
