In Celia, her new album to be released on April 19th, Beninese singer explores the African roots of the ‘Cuban Queen’ of Salsa.
Throughout her career, Angelique Kidjo has focused on extracting and highlighting the African roots underlying notable artists’ music. After reworking the Talking Head’s cornerstone album Remain In Light, the three Grammys laureate now turns to Celia Cruz.
The artist was the leading figure of Salsa, a music style invented in-between Miami and New York by the Cuban and Porto Rican diaspora. Kidjo seeks tracing up to the African roots of this music style born through complex cultural exchanges.
The Time Magazine’s “First African Diva” digs those influences through Cruz’s milestone songs, injecting her powerful voice and energy inside them. It can be heard in this first excerpt from the album, where the Afro-Cuban rhythms carry Kidjo’s strong voice.
This new project is tightly linked with the stage, where Angelique plays with Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez.
Celia will be out on April 19th. Pre-order it here.
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