Angelique Kidjo from Benin beat Malawi’s Zomba Prison band to win the Grammy for Best World Music Album on Monday.
The Malawian band got nominated courtesy of the album titled “I Have No Everything Here” which describes the long and arduous journey towards a freedom that is not guaranteed. The prisoners sang about death, AIDS, and, often, missing their children.
They had gotten the nomination through the intervention of producer Ian Brennan and photographer and documentarian, Marilena Delli.
The production under Six Degrees Records Record Label named as “Zomba Prison Project” was has received a Grammy nomination for “Best World Music Album” of the year.
This is the second straight year that Kidjo has won the Best World Music Album prize, after last year’s “Eve” that paid tribute to African women.
A visibly happy Kidjo, dressed in a colourful African dress, ran to the stage to accept the award and danced to James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” performed by a pit orchestra.
“I want to dedicate this Grammy to all the traditional musicians in Africa, in my country, to all the young generation,” Kidjo said.
“Africa is on the rise, Africa is positive, Africa is joyful. Let’s get together and be one with music, and say no to hate and violence,” she said to applause.
Doesn’t matter. They have already made history
Big Up for you guys. You made us proud reaching that level out of all the bands in Malawi. Angelique is an international artist with a vast experience. Carry On.
Njala imenei angaimbe gitala
Kkkkkkk koma amalawi umbava suzatha ayi inu ati oyimba a olo kutuluka azakhalabe ukuba bs
Coz were already discouraged they could’nt do well very sorry indeed
Though lost but i salute you guys
The omen didn’t fare us