Angelique Kidjo | Move On Up (New Music Video)

Angelique Kidjo Debuts Video For “Move On Up”

Continuing
to garner acclaim for OYO, an album of music that inspired her while
growing up in Benin, Angelique Kidjo debuts the album’s first video on
Huffington Post for the single “Move On Up, ” the track itself featuring
guest vocals from Bono and John Legend:

This
stunning video, directed by Kevin J. Custer (Lil Wayne, Gym Class
Heroes) features the imagery, and appearances by the dancers, of the
acclaimed musical FELA! which is directed and choreographed by Bill T.
Jones and adapted by Maija Garcia. Presented by Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and
Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, the Broadway sensation is currently
nominated for 11 Tony Awards.

“Angelique Kidjo is one of this
world’s truly great musical personalities, ” said Stephen Hendel,
FELA!’s lead producer. “The Broadway company of FELA! was honored to
participate in this beautiful music video and we are delighted by how
well the video captures both the spirit and soul of Angelique, of the
FELA! performers, and of Bill’s choreography.”

“I am convinced
that the success of the FELA! musical on Broadway is the indisputable
sign that people are now interested in the true richness, depth and
beauty of African culture, ” said Angelique Kidjo. “I feel that the
music from my continent is a universal language that can create a bond
between all the different cultures of the world and this is what the
musical is about. Collaborating with the FELA! dancers on the ‘Move On
Up’ video has been an amazing experience for me: The musical and the
song, that I dedicate to the African youth, carry the same message of
joy and hope for the future of Africa and for the future of people
everywhere.”

On June 10 the entire world will have their eyes on
Africa and on Angelique as she performs at the FIFA World Cup Kick-Off
Celebration Concert, at the newly renovated Orlando Stadium in
Soweto/Johannesburg, which will be broadcast in the U.S. by ABC, ESPN,
and Vevo. The concert celebrates the first time the tournament has taken
place in Africa. Also performing will be John Legend (including a duet
with Kidjo), Alicia Keys, Amadou & Mariam, Black Eyed Peas, Shakira
and others of their stature. “Move On Up” is also featured on Listen Up!
The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album, which will be released May 31,
with proceeds from its sale going to various African charities.

Angelique
Kidjo will continue touring internationally throughout 2010 in support
of OYO, and will appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on July 27th
where she will perform “Move On Up” backed by The Roots.