NYC-based, African-born world music artist Angelique Kidjo, originally hailing from Benin, delivers a selection of tunes from the African, international, and American songbooks in this 2011 PBS special. Hearing George Gershwin's Porgy & Bess hit “Summertime” sung in the Fon language is a sublime experience thanks to Kidjo's majestic rendering. Serving up a 12-song set ranging from the ever-popular “Move On Up” to her own “Afirika” (written in honor of an idol, the late South African singer-activist Miriam Makeba), Kidjo is joined onstage by Branford Marsalis, Josh Groban, Ezra Koenig (of Vampire Weekend) and Dianne Reeves, the famed R&B diva who Kidjo calls her American “sister” (the pair's “Gimme Shelter” is wonderful). African dancers from the show FELA! join Kidjo, who is no slouch at cutting the rug herself. Interwoven throughout are brief interview clips with Kidjo. DVD extras include an interview with Kidjo, as well as five bonus songs (including the showstopper “Kelele”). Presented in stereo, this is recommended. (C. Cassady)
Angelique Kidjo and Friends: Spirit Rising
(2011) 58 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.95 w/PPR). PBS Video. ISBN: 978-1-60883-514-0. Volume 27, Issue 5
Angelique Kidjo and Friends: Spirit Rising
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