5 Time Grammy Award Winner Traces Root to Iseyin, Oyo State

An all-time most awarded African musician traces her root to Iseyin, a town in Oyo State

Angelique Kidjo, Benin Republic born songstress who has emerged as the all-time most awarded African solo artist in 2022 winning her fifth Grammy award with her acclaimed Mother Nature Album in a recent interview in Lagos has divulge her Nigerian connection.

The 62-year old soloist and activist claimed to have several relatives across Nigeria; this she said was revealed by her mother who worked as a choreographer and theatre director. According to her, on returning to Nigeria from Brazil, her ancestor from her paternal side traced his root to Iseyin.

She said: ““My Mum told me that I am from Iseyin because when my grandfather’s great great great great father came back from Brazil, they found their roots in Iseyin.

“From my mother’s side, we have always been from Nigeria. So we have families in Abeokuta, Ibadan, Lagos, everywhere. I have cousins I haven’t seen a million years that I miss a lot.”

Statement on her official website reveals her stunning success in the music world “Kidjo is now a 5-time winner and 12-time GRAMMY nominee. The win marks a major milestone for Kidjo – who is now the most awarded African musician of all time, and has the most wins of any artist in the Global Music Category. Her previous album Celia also won Best Global Music Album, in 2020. Her nominations this year included two in the Best Global Music Performance category: “Do Yourself” from Mother Nature, featuring Burna Boy, and a recording of “Blewu” by Yo-Yo Ma featuring Angélique.”