Ithaca Blog

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Angelique Kidjo and Samite: Making Music, Aiding Africa

On Thursday 3 April, the State Theater presents two prominent African musician/activists: Samite and Angelique Kidjo.

Ms. Kidjo is a native of Benin, and Samite of Uganda.

Samite is well-known in Ithaca, where he has lived for 20 years. He plays traditional instruments and songs of his native country.

Samite has developed a national and international standing in his musical career, and also in philanthropic work. He is the founder of Musicains for World Harmony, an organization of musicians promoting peace and justice, with emphasis on displaced persons and communities. Samite himself came to the United States to escape the political turmoil of Uganda in the 1980's.

Angelique Kidjo is a vocalist with four Grammy-nominated albums. Her most recent, Djin Djin, features collaborations with Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, Carlos Santana, Ziggy Marley, and Branford Marsalis.

Ms. Kidjo is founder of the Batonga Foundation, which provides schooling for African girls through scholarships, social programs, and actual building of schools.

Ticket information for the show is available at the State Theater's web site.

Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog

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