Renowned Beninese singer and Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo has expressed her views on artists who use their music to praise or promote politicians and political parties.
Kidjo said she avoids making music for politicians, noting that political power is temporary and that artists who tie their art to politicians risk losing relevance once those in power are gone.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Female Poets Society podcast, she encouraged fellow musicians to serve as voices for the people rather than voices for those in authority.
“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 recalled.