CERRITOS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Cerritos, CA
November 5, 2004
Opening Act: sax player Euge Groove
by Kim

"I still don't understand why we are not all together." ~A. Kidjo

The show started around 8 pm with what I have to say was the best opening act I've ever seen for her. He's Euge Groove, and he plays the sax. And I'll tell you, he has personality plus! He came out into the audience at least twice and played his sax. The second time he passed me, I reached out my hand, and he shook it. Later I got his autograph. He mainly plays smooth jazz and some funky stuff, really good. He played for 90 minutes, then we had a 20 minute intermission. His latest CD is entitled Livin' Large, released in March 2004. I've since discovered he's exactly 19 days older than I am. When he came back for his encore, he said, "I hope Angelique doesn't get mad at me. There's nothing worse than someone from Europe cursing you out. You guys know Angelique?" Screams could be heard from all around.

The venue is indoors, and the seating is great, with a perfect slant so everyone can see, even if the people in front of you are standing up. There was lots of foot room, too. There are different auditoriums there, and this was a different one from last time, August 2002. It's very easy to get twisted around there while walking. We got lost a few times.

It was 10 pm when Angelique came out wearing a beautiful flaming pink jacket, with a black top and a great skirt with different colored tiers. Tiers on the skirt sparkled onstage with multiple colors. She opened with "Zelie." It wasn't until that moment that I realized when I heard the sample of that song online a month ago that this was the same song she opened with at the House of Blues. She was very quiet at first in-between songs, and I felt a weird vibe, like something wasn't right, but that soon went away. She launched into "Congoleo" and "Bala Bala," which still has this crossfade effect. That's when one song fades into the next.

She soon greeted us and asked us how we were doing. A weak sound came from the audience, so she asked us again, "NO! HOW ARE YOU DOING!" She told us the story behind "Mutoto Kwanza" and also talked about her very painful lesson and discovery of slavery. "Mutoto Kanza" has a sad story but also happy. But it made her so sad to see these orphaned children who had HIV/AIDS, so sad she couldn't speak but could only cry. The kids would say, "Mutoto kwanza, oye!" She asked the kids what this meant, and they said "children have to be the prioity." She asked these kids if she could use their words for a song, and they just looked at her. "Well, OK, but make it danceable." So she did! And danced, I did!

During "Afirika," which she had us sing after teaching us, she came out into the audience. When she passed behind me, I reached up my hand so she'd know I was there. She grasped my hand, and I couldn't let go. She also hinted to us that we weren't going to be sitting all night. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna beat you." She makes me laugh so hard sometimes. She was telling us how the Prime Minister of Norway didn't dance or sing "Afirika." As another attempt to get us on our feet (we can be a subborn audience), she said, "Take the light off my face and shine it on them. I wanna see who's dancing or not."

Here's what she did, not in order:

Logozo: "Malaika" (with just Rubens and Angelique)
Aye: "Agolo"
Fifa: (was left out this time around; can't do them all)
Oremi: "Voodoo Child" (She told us how her brother would dress up like Hendrix, and this is also how she learned that Black people lived in America, which sparked her painful discovery of slavery. Her parents would say, "Don't be angry. Don't cry so much." They basically encouraged her to take this and make it positive and find a way to help the human race.)
Black Ivory Soul: "Bahia," "Iwoya," and "Tumba"
Oyaya: "Congoleo," "Bala Bala," "N'Yin Wan Nou We," "Conga Habanera," "Mutoto Kwanza," "Djovamin Yi," "Dje Dje L'Aye" (band may correct me if I left anything out)

During "Agolo," of course, was our traditional onstage dance time. We got onstage, and yes, I got to get up there. But there were too many people, so she didn't dance with me. I don't even know if she saw me. This is where I realized there were people of all ages there, possibly from 5 to 95. I heard her tell someone she liked their pants and that she's a shopoholic. One more thing I learned about her. I'm not a shopper, but with her, I'll bet it would be a kick! Something just tells me. Apparently someone asked her to call someone up there by name, which she did. While I was onstage, I kept looking at Sheryl Cohen, who sang in Brazz Jazz. She was singing backup. I have been listening to Brazz Jazz for nearly two years now. Yes, Rubens de La Corte played guitar for them, and he played tonight! He's with the tour for the US dates only. After "Agolo," we usually go sit down. But she told us to stay up there because she was going to do another song, last one, "Tumba." The whole time I kept looking Sheryl's direction and wanted to say hi and give her a hug and tell her who I was, but I never got up the nerve. After "Tumba," AK said good night and "enjoy the stage." With that, we started to go back down, and I'm kicking myself now for chickening out on giving Sheryl my greeting. Go ahead, give me the chicken noises. I deserve it.

What surprised me was there was no encore, but she performed for 90 minutes. So we headed backstage where some other people were waiting. We waited for a few minutes, then Rubens appeared. Before that Sheryl stuck her head in then left, but again, I didn't see her in time to say hi. So we talked to Rubens for a few minutes. "Where's Sheryl?" I asked. "She probably is still onstage. She has a few friends." So right about now I'm really kicking myself because I never did meet up with her. But I was still very glad to see Rubens again.

Angelique was signing CDs out front. She went right past the backstage area, so I wasn't sure if I'd see her. We went out to the lobby and got in line. We were very near the end of the line, which I prefer in this case, so I won't feel like I'm holding people up with my talkative ways. This is also how Euge Groove signed my program. We finally reached Angelique, who was in a warm tan jacket and pants because nights are getting cold here lately. The fireplace was on, but you couldn't feel the heat due to a glass sheild. You know our girl can't stand the cold. So there ware probably two more people behind us. "OK, Angelique, it's me again. *sigh*" "You come over here." She pulled out a chair on the other side of the table next to her. "I'll do you last." See, even she knows I won't shut up. She mentioned a few times to people about how the jet lag is getting to her. She's not a complainer, so I think she really is tired. She's been touring non-stop for six months. I had with me my OYAYA CD and three pictures of us from the last time I saw her here at this same venue. I had duplicates and wanted her to have this set. I wanted to make sure she didn't think I was having her sign them for me. So someone else had about four CDs for her to sign while I was sitting beside her. I didn't care. I felt special. I was sitting next to Angelique, teasing her the whole time, as I do with people I love. Every now and then I'd give her a one-armed hug. That'll keep her warm!

So it was finally my turn. She asked me how I've been. And I immediately jumped into a very special topic to my heart these days, meeting a very close online friend from clear across the ocean. "Do you remember Charlie from the Netherlands?" I asked her. "Yes." "Well, I got to meet her, and we spent the entire day together." "She came here?" "Yeah, we had a blast!" Charlie is nearly 17 and very special to me, very dear to my heart. AK signed my CD, which says "To Kim, blessings and joy!" I soon realized she was pulling my chair closer to her, with me on it! She and I are about the same height. This was done so mom could take a picture. We got two. Then I teased, "Don't cut her head off." Then I told AK that mom cut her head off before, and I had the proof right in my purse. "You cut my head off? I wanna see. No, I don't wanna see," the whole time laughing. I joked that she could keep the CD, I just want the autographed cover, when I was making sure she knew the pictures were hers. I also later mentioned that if she ever has the chance, she should read Miriam Makeba's autobiography. She said I was the second person who's told her that. (It's a very good book, Ms. Makeba draws you into her life story. I felt like I was sitting next to her as she told it.) The funny part is AK and I bumped heads, well, faces, really, which I had to laugh at, but I don't think she even noticed. We were standing by this time, moving in opposite directions. I also mentioned that in exactly six weeks, it will be my birthday. I had originally planned in June to ask her if she'd sing happy birthday to me. But I didn't have the heart to ask her to do that. She was obviously tired. I wish I had now but still kind of glad I didn't. I didn't want to seem like a total weirdo. She already knows I'm crazy-cool. "Well, we'll have to keep in touch for that," she said. With that, another hug goodbye and an "I love you" from me, we were outta there.

Regrets: Not asking how Naima is doing. Still wish I'd met Sheryl and told her how great I thought she was and how much I listen to Brazz Jazz.

BACK TO THE BEGINNING
House of Blues, June 9, 2004

I call this back to the beginning because the House of Blues is the first place I saw Angelique live in 1998. That live performance is what sparked the newsletter and the next year our website.

In attendance: my mom, our neighbor Lisa, and me.

We got to the House of Blues just a little after 7. We got our tickets and backstage passes and went into the club. We established our spot in front of the stage, and I wasn't about to budge as I didn't want to lose our place. We stood there for a good 90 minutes just hanging out and waiting. Angelique was introduced by KCRW radio and came on at 9. The crowd was lively! We had some African people there speaking African languages to Angelique as she was onstage.

Angelique was wearing Orange/Red pants with a top with all kinds of orange, red, and yellow glitter. The sleeves were long and the top and the neck line was rounded. Her top came down to just below her waist, as it was described to me.

She sang quite a few songs before she even said hello to the audience. She started out with a slow song I'd never heard, and I don't have the title. I also don't have a song set list this time. She sang many songs from Oyaya, her latest CD, but missed "Oulala" and "Bissimilai." "Congoleo" cross-faded into "Bala Bala" so cool! She also sang "Batonga," her ever-present "Malaika," which is her mother's favorite song, and "Iwoya," singing Dave Matthews' part. And she sang "Bahia." "Bahia" without Rubens de La Corte on guitar? Am I spoiled now? I'm teasing. The band was fabulous! But I do miss the wonderful band members I've met. She of course sang "Agolo," but no one would help me go onstage this time. I sang all of the songs right along with her. I waved to her but don't know if she saw me. She said she almost forgot her surprise she had for us and that LA was the only place who would get this surprise. With that she introduced one of the producers of the album, Alberto Salas.

WHO'S HUGGING ME!

Before "Agolo," she performed "Afirika" which she had us all sing, of course. She taught us our part and told us we had to sing it loud. The crowd was great and enthusiastic, loved Angelique. But we couldn't hear her very well as people were talking while she was. But I stood in front the whole time, I could touch the stage. Earlier I thought it would be cool, not out of ego but out of fun, to see if anyone would recognize me from the website. I wasn't recognized. But something happened that made me think I was. I was standing there dancing and singing "Afirika." Suddenly, someone grabs me and hugs me. My first out-loud reaction was "What? Who's that? Who's hugging me?" Who is that?! I love hugs. I'm such a hugger. But if I don't know someone and they don't know me, why is this stranger hugging me? Oh, they must know me from the site! Cool! It wasn't until about a minute after I said out loud, "WAS THAT HER??????!" Sure enough, Angelique had come down from the stage to go into the audience, as she sometimes does, but she headed straight down the middle straight to me, according to Lisa and my mom. I was so shocked! All I could say was, "Oh, my gosh!" I almost cried. Then the girl next to me and I started talking. Her name is Erin. She was very nice. I told her I had no idea it was Angelique hugging me. That was just truly amazing and shocking. But I was disappointed I couldn't get up there for "Agolo" because they lingered up there after.

She mainly stuck to the "trilogy" albums and was shockingly not so insistant that we dance, maybe because we already were. She told us about her work with UNICEF, which is so dear to her heart. She told us about "Mutoto Kwanza" and how that came about. She was supposed to sing for these kids in Africa, but she was so overwhelmed that she couldn't speak or sing. Still the kids were singing "Mutoto Kwanza." Angelique asked them if she could use those words for a song, and they said, "As long as you make it danceable." "Mutoto Kwanza" means children first. "Children must be our priority. We must take care of them, love them, nurture them," is basically what she told us, but I paraphrased a little because I couldn't remember the exact quote.

She came back for an encore and performed "Loloye" with all the band up front with her singing. It was very touching. I could hear the audience singing off-key, and it was so much fun. I'm sorry I can't give you the band members at this time because I don't want to get anyone's names wrong. However, I can tell you they were with her in 1998. She says she goes back to them "when I need them."

So the show ended in about 90 minutes. I had my pass all ready, but we were rudely dismissed by security after we'd gone to the trouble to get the passes earlier, which the same guy had seen us do. This guy had it in for us 3 from the start. He wasn't with AK. He worke at the HOB. So I didn't get to go backstage. He really made us angry just due to his big me/little you attitude. But she did a CD signing, and I had my CD, but apparently you had to buy it there or they won't let you get it autographed. So we were still given permission to stand aside and say hi to her very quickly when she got to the table. Of course, they called for security because it was very chaotic. When she came out, we made our way to the table. Angelique saw me. "Kim!" And she stood up to hug me because there are no barriers between hugs, not even a table. I gave her a very long hug. Then she hugged my mom and kissed her, hugged Lisa and kissed her. And where's my kiss? Oh, well. So, like I normally do, I decided to tease her a bit. "So, when are you gonna come out with a new album?" She was cracking up! So I told her that it's pretty funny because it's about 5 weeks until her birthday, then she interrupted with, "And I know I'll be getting some e-mail from you." "Let me finish. When I see you in November, it will be 5 weeks until MY birthday." She kind of laughed about that. In the meantime, she was signing CDs while talking, but we didn't stay long. I told her I loved her and would see her in November. I think it would be a blast if she sang to me in November for my birthday, not onstage, but at Cerritos, it's a better place as far as going backstage. When we were there before, she did a CD signing, and it was someone's birthday, and she sang to him/her. How unforgettable wold that be for someone?

This time I went home with nothing physical like an autographed CD, which now I'm disappointed about, but you can't replace those hugs from a loved one. She calls my mom "mama." We sort of adopted her in 2002. I have no pictures to share this time as when we arrived and thought we were going backstage, we were told we couldn't even bring the disposable camera in, not even for backstage. We explained it wasn't for use at the show, but they said only publicists could take pictures. Well, since we didn't get backstage anyway, we didn't need the camera after all. Hopefully November 5 will be different.

As we were walking to get our car, which was valet parked, we heard the crowd around us still praising the show and raving about Angelique. There wew so much positive energy in the air after her show, and that's what I love about her, how she generates that. Her smile and humbleness radiates through a venue and continues outside. I heard one person get into a car and heard the intro to "Seyin Djro." I think everyone had a wonderful night, and that's what's important.

SONGS (not in order)
OYAYA: Just about all of them.
BLACK IVORY SOUL: Bahia, Iwoya, Afirika
OREMI: Voodoo Child, Loloye
FIFA: none
AYE: Agolo
LOGOZO: Batonga, Malaika

May 25, 2004 - Netherlands
submitted by Charlie, age 16

Note from Kim: It is fun to see Angelique through the eyes of a teenager. The following review was submitted by Charlie, who is 16. Read on and enjoy.

When Kim told me Angelique was coming to the Netherlands, I was stupid enough not to be able to find the date - this is not a joke - so I thought she was kidding. LOL. But it was there, she was right, and I was stupid. Okay, now I'm joking, I'm not that stupid, right? Or am I? Oh well, back to the subject.

May 25, Melkweg the Max. It's not really a 'max' sized place, but it's sponsored by Pepsi (Max). We arrived a little late, but the show started a bit later as well so there was enough time to find a spot at the front that was big enough to dance, have a funny conversation about the public (most were very preppy, a few were African or so and there were even two wheelchairs in there).. then starting to get impatient.. then getting excited because there are people on stage, but it wasn't the band.. and finally, there they were!

Angelique was wearing black pants and a semi-long pink/white/black top. It was, let's say, way not what I expected but she looked great. And she had huge bracelets on, they were very pretty. (I'm bringing in some visualisation every now and then, mostly for Kim, because normally she can't see those things too well).

They started off with "Bahia" which I had heard for the first time only a few weeks before the show. I only have Fifa, Aye and Oyaya so I didn't hear it before. But it's on the Women Of Africa CD. The next song was "Congoleo" if I remember right. I don't know the exact set list anymore though. Anyway, especially during those two songs I noticed how I was one of the very few who was dancing, and maybe even the only one who was singing along to (part of) the songs. I had a bit of a laugh when I noticed that my dad was looking at the bass player's hands all the time (because he plays the bass too). The bass player noticed sooner than my dad, so he had a funny grin on his face. Teehee..

In between the songs, Angelique told the audience about the origin of the rhythms of the song, and her travels to the countries, things like that. I don't remember all of them, really. One that really stuck with me though is the story behind "Mutoto Kwanza." Angelique told us about how she was in Tanzania as a Goodwill Ambassador of Unicef, and she saw many little kids with HIV/AIDS. She couldn't stand the feeling of helplessness that she got there. At one point, all the children were gathered around her and very powerful they all said "MUTOTO KWANZA OYE OYE." It meant that the children must go first (because they are the future, the next generation). Angelique asked them if she could use those words to make a song. They all said "YES," and one kid said "make it dancable!" which surprised her. She had a sad song in her mind, but she made it dancable. So there. And they played it even faster than on the CD itself, which surprised ME cuz it was already so fast. LoL.

Boy did I have fun at that concert. I can't express the energy of the concert in this report, but I am doing my best. At least I'm in a good mood.

Of course at one point she made us all sing along with "Afirika." And of course it wasn't loud enough the first time, lol. Second time her face was filled with enthusiasm as she put up her thumbs at us. I sang along so loud that at the end of the song my mouth got all dry, haha. But it was great. I love that song. It means a lot to see so many people of all shapes, colors, sizes and styles sing the same words. Unanimous. I think it radiates peace, I love the ambience.

After that song, Angelique announced that now we have been singing, it's time to go on stage and dance with her. "There are stairs at your left, and a curtain, and you'll be on stage." She said something like that, then sat back and waited for us to come. I had already given her my letter, but I still wanted to try and get an autograph for Kim, so I walked a little to the left of the stage until I was right in front of her and got her attention. I asked if I could climb on (instead of walk around - the stage was too high for most people, but I like climbing anyway lol). She said "Yeah, you can climb on, IF you don't fall off." So I climbed on. The first few people were getting on stage too. I got up to her and asked if she remembered me from Italy the summer before. She said "yes" and repeated it as if she remembered more and more. She had this huge smile on her face and gave me a high five. I asked her to sign something for Kim, and after explaining to her that Kim might not have a ride to come to the June 9 concert, she signed the card. It says "FOR KIM" (which I wrote), then "See you soon" and Angelique's signature.

The stage was pretty much filling up now. Angelique started counting the men. Nine. I told her, "much better than in Italy!" She laughed, and explained to the public that in Italy there were only two men on stage. "The men were chicken!" I couldn't help but crack up because of her body language when she said that.

Then the band started playing "Agolo." I danced with a few black guys that were right next to me, and Angelique did too. At the end of the song she gave everyone a hug, as always. I was the last to get a hug. I thanked her when she hugged me, and she smiled.

The rest of the show wasn't long, because they didn't play the last few songs. The people in the back were walking out. We yelled Kidjo, Kidjo, Kidjo whenever she went off stage. She came back three times. Then eventually she really left.

My father took me to a Burger King afterwards and I had a milkshake, then we went home and I went to bed. I had an accomplished feeling because I gave her my letter with a necklace I wanted her to have, and I got the autograph for Kim. I felt happy because it was a lot of fun. And, I felt exhausted because I danced and sang so much. Goodnight Charlie.. yeah, right.

July 21, 2003 - Florence, Italy
Submitted by Charlie

I was on vacation in Italy for two weeks and after just three days I got an awesome opportunity: seeing Angelique Kidjo live in concert. Luckily we were so close to Florence that I could see the lights from the city in the dark when I looked out the window of my temporary bedroom! And my father was so kind to take me and my mother there. We arrived kind of early so I could still see everything, but the venue was pretty small so that wasn't hard :) It was like an oustide bar with a stage big space in between. The building around it used to be a prison but you'd never know unless you saw the bars in front of the lights in the upper windows. It was really a nice place.

After a while, the show started. You know how it goes, you can maybe sit still for one song if you try really hard, but then you HAVE to stand up and dance! So I did, I went up to the front where a lot of other people already were. It was like a party, everybody was smiling and enjoying the music. Angelique seemed to be really happy about that, and encouraged the crowd to dance and sing along all the time. And I have to say, I'm glad that Italian isn't among the languages she speaks because I would be in big trouble if it was, LoL!

About halfway during the show, she told us that the next song was special and she wanted people to dance on stage. I knew it was gonna be "Agolo." Actually the only song I could sort of sing along with, haha. So Angelique was making contact with the audience. When she was at the right side of the stage, where I stood, I called her name and told her I was an online friend of Kim's. Angelique smiled and said "Really? That's nice!" and then invited me on stage too! That was so awesome. She was like "Where are our italian men??" - there were only two guys on stage. Then there was an older man who stepped up, and he was like, "Well I could be three!"

Gosh she can dance so well!! I take dance classes, but I could never do all those things she does. I was kind of stunned anyway, it was pretty overwhelming! There was another black woman on stage who could do that thing with her shoulders, like Angelique does too, and they did it together. At the end of the song, everyone got a hug from Angelique. She also sang a swinging song from a new album, the title was "Habanera." And of course she had everyone in the bar singing along to "Afirika," that was beautiful. Somewhere during the show I also got Angelique's autograph!

After the show, I kind of stayed close to the stage hoping to get Rubens' autograph. We ended up talking and talking, about Kim, and how I got to know her, and also why I was in Italy while I was Dutch and all, and he was so nice! Eventually he asked if I had ever talked to Angelique before. I hadn't, only on stage earlier. He wanted to take me backstage, but Angelique had already left, so that didn't work out, so I got invited to the hotel for the next morning! He gave me a note with the address and signed it, so the next day I got to the hotel.

When I got there, Angelique was sitting on a couch near the reception area, so I saw her right away. I sat next to Angelique for about half an hour, but she didn't say much. I said I was invited by Rubens to meet her, but I think (I'm afraid actually) that I was so shy that I didn't say the last part of that sentence loud enough! But I did give her the letter I wrote that morning, and it was a blessing to meet her and also a lot of the other band members. Ann Marie is also very nice. She said I sounded like a friend of hers in Amsterdam. Davi asked me in italian if I spoke italian, LOL, I don't. Then a while later Rubens showed up, too, and he was really surprised to see me because the night before, my mom didn't think it was a good idea to visit them. I also gave him a letter I wrote that morning. Davi, Ann Marie, Rubens, and I talked for another five minutes and then my parents picked me up.

It was a wonderful experience I'll never forget.. and Rubens said that when they go to the Paradiso in the Netherlands he'll expect to see me there, and I can safely say that he will!

HOLLYWOOD BOWL II: BIRTHDAY AT THE BOWL
LOS ANGELES, CA
7/14/03
Written by Kim - pardon the length, there is much to tell

Me with Angelique's card
Card Text: This card contains an actual hug! Instructions enclosed.

My Monday started out like any other Monday, except I knew I was going to see Angelique Kidjo in concert on her birthday. My mother and I had planned to take the bus to the Hollywood Bowl, which is really the best way to do it now that we have. We were going to leave at 1 pm so we could have lunch and look for a birthday card for the birthday child. The bus was packed with people going to the concert. It left from Lakewood at 5:30 and went straight to the Bowl. As soon as we took off, everyone was cheering and ready for a night of fun. I know I was more than ready to get out of the house for an evening. When we arrived at the Bowl, a 55 minute drive, there was a sign with Angelique's name on it, "opening for Santana." I heard people saying, "Who is Angelique Kidjo," which they pronounced KID-jo. You don't know how badly I wanted to turn around and share my info with them and make friends in the process. But I didn't say anything. I fugured they'd know soon enough. :)

ARE WE THERE YET?!
I was so glad to be there, especially knowing that I had picked out one fabulous card for Angelique, which I knew she'd love! Before we got our seats, we checked to see if I was on any backstage list. And who should I meet but Nicole from Impact Artist Management. And who did she have with her? Ann Marie Milazzo, backup singer. I also met drummer Gintas Janusonis, another very nice person. I had previously met some other members of her band, including Rubens de La Corte. Everyone in Angelique's band is kind and very people-oriented. I love them all. Nicole and I have talked for two years now via e-mail. She's seen me through bad times and good times. I am so happy that I finally got to meet the person who was the most instrumental in helping me meet Angelique last year. Nicole is originally from CA, so she was out here for her birthday, which was the day before AK's.

Nicole Pouliot and me

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME"
Angelique came on promptly at 7:30 pm. We were very far back, and it was still daylight, so it was very hard for me to see her. I know she was wearing pink. I finally spotted her. But I couldn't get a good view, even through my monocular, which I always use to aid my vision when I'm somewhere. Angelique performed for about 40 minutes. She started out with a song I had never heard before. She didn't speak a whole lot due to such a small window for her set. She then jumped into "Batonga." She sang a few new songs, including "Phoenix Rising," in which Carlos Santana was invited to play. A few of these new songs are going to be on her new CD, part 3 of her trilogy, but I can't remember the song titles. But I definitely felt the Cuban influence! She also did a song by Sade, "Pearls," that had me in tears because I had been stressed to the max, and that song hit me just right, and I'm sitting there trying not to cry. It was beautiful. Closer to the beginning, she said, "Good evening, Los Angeles. Are you ready to party? Me, too. Today is my birthday!" She later was playing around and started singing "happy birthday to me" and laughing. She was obviously having a good time up there. She seemed a lot more relaxed than in 2001. She also perfomed songs from BIS, including "Bahia," "Tumba" (since that was written for the public), and "Afirika," which we of course were asked to help out in sending blessings to Africa. She said we were fine but wanted more volume. She also did "Voodoo Child," which should have been "Birthday Child." Oh, well...

Angelique and me backstage

AFTER THE SET
We got backstage, and security was very tight because of Carlos. They weren't going to let me in. "She has to come out here," said one lady standing by the gate, the gate I was so familiar with from 2001 when I didn't get to meet her. All those memories came flooding back. She was in there. "ANGELIQUE!" We kept trying to get her attention. "Well, can you give her this card?" "Sorry, against the rules. No." By that time, here comes Angelique with an "Are you hassling my sister?" look.
AK: "Come in!"
Security: "She can't."
AK: "Oh, yes she can!"
With that, Angelique put on my backstage pass and my mothers, too, just to remind them who's boss. So we walked in, and we immediately shared hugs. I told her how much her music is always there for me, never leaves me when I'm down and need someone around. I made it a point the other night I was going to tell her that if nothing else. But she was so excited about other things and side-tracked, I don't know if she heard me. But at least I know I got to tell her.

ANGELIQUE'S CARD
We picked out a huge card at Hallmark, nearly half her size! It was a card about hugs, saying the card had a hug inside and giving instructions on how to receive the hug. I had signed it, of course. She was reading it, and suddenly, "I don't need instructions. I know how to do it." The hug is done with the card. I hope she feels a hug from me each time she sees the card. She loved the card, just laughed, really enjoyed it. It was very appropriate because she loves hugs, and so do I. It was so weird because the bag the card was in matched the pink she had on! She was full of energy, running all over the place. We lined up for pictures, amazingly kept her in one spot. Before I knew it, she was gone. AK had to go get dressed for "Adouma" with Carlos, but Nicole was still there, along with Ann Marie. Nicole said Rubens was looking for me earlier. So she got his attention. He came over, and we all talked for a bit. I had been kicking myself last year for not getting a picture with him. This time I did it! We then talked for about 10-15 minutes. We talked about Brazz Jazz, one of his earlier projects. That is one CD, Kick off Your Shoes, I can't put down. His wife, Sheryl, sings on there. We were all talking about various things. What means the world to me is that I can interact with these nice people. They've become an extension of my family, particularly Angelique, Rubens, and now Nicole and Ann Marie. I know I am truly blessed because not everyone can hang out with their favorite band and talk about everything from changing hair color to older music projects to newer music projects. I truly enjoy every moment I can share with them. Rubens again thanked me for putting together the page for him, and Rubens, you're more than welcome. I may not have material souvenirs this time, but the memories, human touch, and quality time are what's important to me.

Angelique took her card with her on tour!

Ann Marie Milazzo (backup singer), Rubens de La Corte (guitarist), and me

SANTANA
I had grown up listening to Santana. I loved all their music but didn't really have anything until Supernatural. Even though I knew I was going to see Santana, the realization didn't really hit me until Carlos started playing "Jingo." That's when I was like, "Wow! This is real!" Very soon we learned (though I already knew) that all the net proceeds for all of the concerts of this tour were going to the education of South Africa to help their HIV/AIDS crisis, which is huge there. Santana mostly played songs from Shaman, their latest CD. In fact, "Jingo" was the only oldie they performed. They did some songs from Supernatural, each song having different singers on. No, Michelle Branch wasn't there. That song was eliminated. They had a good 2-hour show. To be honest, I would have preferred to see AK for 2 hours, but that's just me, no reflection on Carlos and what a great job he and the band did.

WANT SOME CAKE? COME AND GET IT!
Carlos soon invited AK back onstage. I was very glad they had the huge screen on this time. I wish they had for her. But I saw her better this time. They sang "Happy Birthday" to her and had a cake and flowers for her. Again, I was crying, so happy to be a part of her birthday after all these years of celebrating by myself by listening to her music. They also sang "You're Still a Young Man," but I don't remember who sang it. They changed gender, of course. That's what made me cry. She was hugging everyone onstage and holding her flowers. It was so touching to see the love they all have for each other. Then they jumped right into "Adouma," which also has the sub-title "Come and Get It" on Ayé. Angelique left again, thanking us all. I was sad that her performance was over for the night, but I was still hypnotized by Santana and their drummer! I'm so glad I got to see Santana. I know I wouldn't have gone to see them if AK hadn't been opening for them. What a showman Carlos is, so soft-spoken, down-to-earth, and spiritual.

There were a few things that occurred during the show I thought were rude and disrespectful to the performer as well as the audience. One thing is when a performer is up there singing and talking to you, be polite. Don't talk amongst yourselves, especially when a performer is trying to talk to you. It was hard to hear what she was saying. If you don't like a performer and are anxious for the main act, no matter who this performer is, that's fine. I've been there myself. But at least respect the performers for being up there and giving you their all. And that's all I'll say about that. :)

Thank you once again, Angelique. You put a smile on my face and a warm glow in my heart yet again. Thank you Rubens, Ann Marie, and Gintas for your kindness and generosity with your time. Thank you, Nicole, for your help over the last two years. I'm very glad I finally got to meet you. I wish I could have stayed after the show, but it wasn't in my hands. I would have loved to. Plus, there was a huge line waiting to meet Carlos.

Come back to CA soon, Angelique! 2004 is a long way off, but I'll wait and hope you'll be back.

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
May 2, 2003
Submitted by Michelle

I too am an Angelique fan, and had the priviledge of seeing her for the first time on the Congo Square stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival May 2, 2003. She was the last act to perform on that stage that day and we arrived early to put down our blankets so that we could be as close as possible. She was well worth the wait.

At exactly 5:45 pm Angelique took command of the stage and opened with "Loloye" (sans Naima). As she began to sing, the gasp of the audience around me was audible, and I heard people say, "Oh my God, she's so beautiful," and so she was. With the heat of the day over, and the sun beginning its descent,  Angelique began to cook. She quickly picked up the pace and began to perform other songs from earlier albums. After the third song, she paused and addressed the audience. She explained about her current album and gave a brief history of each song before she sang it, and was very clear about her philosophy of life. She launched into "Bahia" and danced her heart out. Since I had never seen her before, I had no idea that she was such a wonderful dancer. Well I know now.

About halfway through her set, I had the dimwitted ideal to go to the port o potty and during my absence, she invited the audience onstage to dance with her, (much to the dismay of the security guards). Had I been there, I would have gone up, but instead watched while she danced (then hugged) each and every person who displayed the courage to dance with her in front of all those people that day.

During her performance of "Afirika" I stood on the police barricade and turned around to look at the sea of people behind me who were there to share the experience. It was an impressive crowd even for New Orleans, and everyone (and I mean everyone), was moving and singing. The energy shared by performer and audience alike was astounding and I have never in my life seen anything like it. It was the most mesmerizing and infectious performance I have ever attended. In fact, she raised the bar so high, that no other performers that I saw for the remainder of the festival came anywhere near her level of energy and charisma. We felt spiritually uplifted and momentarily released from our worries and troubles during the time she was on stage. She spoke of how people needed to put aside their differences and learn to live together, "because," as she so bluntly put it, "we have no choice." Angelique also reminded us that we could accomplish this through music. Well it worked.

Although there was no encore, I looked at the faces of the crowd as we packed our belongings to head back to the busses. Everyone was in a daze and looked as though they'd had an encounter with something divine. I can only say that I was and still am one of them.

ANGELIQUE AT THE
HOLLYWOOD BOWL
(and the aftershock)
Sunday, 8/12/01
by Kim

I was very lucky to see Angélique Kidjo perform live at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday night and looking forward to meeting her backstage. She was performing in the middle of three acts, the first being Ex-Centric Sound System, who I thought were really good, especially the dancers. The act after Angélique was Baaba Maal. But this page is about Angélique, so here we go.

Angélique performed many new songs from her upcoming album, which is scheduled to be released in February 2002. As you might know, this is the second part of Angélique's "trilogy" in which she is exploring the African Diaspora and different aspects of slavery. Now it's time for Brazil, specifically Bahia. "They married Beninese women and had kids with them, so you have this huge mixture of Benin and Brazil in the music and food." So the new songs focus on Brazilian rhythms. I only remember one song title, "Bahia." I can tell you that the songs I heard are going to be super hot if you like Brazilian music. She talked about the Internet and TV and how in Brazil more song writing got done because there was no Internet or TV. She wrote six songs in one hour with Carlinhos Brown. She's hoping people will come out of their homes, away from the TV and Internet, to see a concert. The music brings people out of their shell. She said she decided to dedicate the song she sang after speaking on this topic to everyone at every show she does this time.

She also performed some old songs, like "Batonga," her opening number, and "Sénié," which we all had to sing. And when she taught us our part, we soon learned who was "the boss" because we wouldn't stop until she yelled, "Stop! Shhh, you know I like to be the boss." She really is funny, great sense of humor! She also performed "Tombo," and that was the first time I saw her do that live. "Wé-Wé" was also performed. "Ah, 'Wé-Wé,' you want that song?" "Yes, we want it!" I shouted. "OK, whatever you want, I'll follow your lead." She's so great with her audiences. She also said, "I can hear you, but I don't see anyone dancing. I hope you're gonna get up soon." I didn't think they'd let us, but when the time came for us to dance, we did! I yelled so loud for her that I started to lose my voice, something not cool when you're hoping and planning to meet someone for the first time. If you go to her show, don't expect material from Orémi because there isn't any at this point. I would imagine after singing those songs for three years, she might be ready to move on. And it's time to focus on the new material in order to promote it. Don't be disappointed because she can't do every old song and the new songs in such a short time.

Her performance was about 40 minutes, certainly not long enough for a true fan, but 3 hours wouldn't be, either. :) Her performance was excellent, but she did seem a little uncomfortable with her new band. I did miss the backup girls and keyboard player. But I was there to see her.

She talked to us between songs, talking about how her family was poor, but rich in love. She and her brothers and sisters were brought up with love and much support, with her parents letting her do what she wanted to do concerning her future. She talked about how hard it is for a female to become a singer in Africa. She talked about how important doing a show at the Bowl was to her, that she never had the chance until now, and that the right time comes for things to happen. She also talked to us about the poor people and how surprised she is that there are still ghettos in the world. She said she's lived in New York for three years now and still can't figure it out. She also talked about how important friendship is, how important it is to have friends you can call anytime, day or night, and talk to them about any situation you're in. Every time she spoke to us, the whole place was silent, something that didn't occur with the other performers. Everyone seemed to want to listen to her and hear what she had to say to us.

I thoroughly enjoyed her songs, her dancing (such energy!), and her interactions with the audience. If I'd been closer, I probably would have been able to shake her hand again as at the House of Blues. We had cameras with us to take pictures backstage, but we weren't allowed to take pictures of the performers, even though people did.

Now, she's done, and Baaba Maal comes on. He was great, but I was getting anxious to go backstage and meet Angélique. When he finished, we walked back, only to discover she had left! I missed her by 20 minutes! I was totally crushed because meeting her is a huge dream of mine. I waited for three years for this moment, and it was crushed. I went home feeling very sad and discouraged, also a little angry, but never at her because I didn't know what her situation was. I got the feeling she was tired onstage that night after three consecutive nights performing. I was trying to find comfort with the fact that at least I saw her perform again. We probably should have tried to go back after her performance.

The next day, I e-mailed her manager and explained what had happened. I later received a call from her tourl manager, and that's when my Monday changed from gloom to another emotional high. When I returned his call, the first thing he said was how much they enjoyed my website and that they really appreciated it, "they" probably being him and the band! Now that totally made me happy to know my work is appreciated! He said they didn't know I was going to be there, or else arrangements would have been made for me to meet her, they would have waited. At this point, everything changed! He said there was someone who wanted to talk to me, and then I heard him excitedly say, "Angélique, it's Kim!" Angélique? As in Kidjo? I didn't even know she'd be there because I thought I was calling an office. The time it took her to come to the phone gave me time to compose myself. I thought I was calm, but the next voice I heard was a very familiar one, Angélique's! She said, "Hello, Kim, how are you?" Well, forget calm as I excitedly yelled her name! I told her I was better now and asked her how she was. She then repeated that she didn't know I was going to be there, and "next time, next time, OK? Next time we'll make arrangements for you." Our connection broke up quite a bit and had a lot of static, so I pretty much let her talk to me because we'd be talking at the same time due to the delay. I did tell her how much I enjoyed the show and look forward to the new album. I told her I know it will be good, and she said she hopes so. She also said it probably won't be until next year before she comes back to L.A. She too quickly had to go, but it's the quality time you talk to someone, not the quantity. There's so much I wanted to say and ask, but I wanted to hear her. And all thoughts of questions I previously had went out the window when I heard her. I was super excited that Angélique was attempting to reach out to me. Friends, I can tell you she is so very nice, as I knew she would be just from hearing her interviews, so that's no surprise to me. She has an inner beauty that not many musicians can claim. I now have a new respect for her and an even stronger dedication to my newsletter and website.

Bénin's Angélique Kidjo has the capacity
to generate intense musical voltage.
L.A. TIMES