Set on the campus of the University of Alabama, in the heart of downtown Birmingham, one of the world’s most beloved singer-songwriters, Angelique Kidjo and company brought their dynamic energy to the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center on March 23rd. The Benin-born performer infuses jazz, afro-funk, reggae, gospel, zouk, rumba, and salsa into her sound. For this particular performance Angelique payed homage to some of her musical influences: Celia Cruz, Miram Makeba, and Nina Simone. She treated her audience to covers of two classic Nina Simone songs: “See-line Woman”, and “My Baby Care Just For Me.” Angelique described her first meeting with Nina Simone: “Her playing was like an angel coming to earth.”
In photographing this performer, it was important to highlight how her loving, spirit filled rhythms, influenced her audience to join her in singing, and dancing along to all of the musical offerings on this night.
@angeliquekidjo @AlysStephensPAC @niatatephotography @Birmingham
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