Batonga! How a made-up word guided Angélique Kidjo’s life

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When singer Angélique Kidjo was bullied as a schoolgirl in Benin, West Africa, she made up a word - Batonga! It meant “Leave me alone, I'll do what I want.” She's carried that spirit forward into a singing career that's seen her win five Grammy awards, break new musical ground in her own unique mix of European and African styles, and become an activist for the rights of women and girls. Angélique tells Jo Fidgen about growing up in a creative family in Benin; her flight from the communist dictatorship there in the 1980s, and how the ideas Batonga! expresses became the foundation for her activism. More information about Angélique Kidjo's world tour can be found here: http://www.kidjo.com/tourdates This interview was first broadcast in May 2022. Get in touch: [email protected] Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Laura Thomas (Photo: Angelique Kidjo. Credit: Fabrice Mabillot)