2023 Polar Music Prize: Beninese artist and songwriter Angélique Kidjo becomes 3rd African to receive the award

Angélique Kidjo, a five-time Grammy winner and singer-songwriter from Benin, has been named one of the three recipients of the 2023 Polar Music Prize, an award established in 1989 by Stig "Stikkan" Anderson, ABBA's manager. The prize, which has been presented since 1992, is one of the most prestigious honours in the music industry, with previous recipients including Elton John (1995), Stevie Wonder (1999), Björk (2010), and Sting (2017).

In a 2018 interview with CNN's African Voices, Kidjo stated that it's not just about having a beautiful voice, but also about knowing what to do with it.

Angélique Kidjo will become the third recipient from Africa to receive the Polar Music Prize, following Miriam Makeba of South Africa in 2002 and Youssou N’Dour of Senegal in 2013. The Benin-born singer-songwriter will be honoured alongside Chris Blackwell, the founder of UK-based Island Records, and Arvo Pärt of Estonia, who is recognised as the world’s most performed living composer, according to a press release from the Polar Music Prize.

So proud to be the laureate of the @polarmusicprize (the most prestigious music prize in the world!) with Chris Blackwell, the founder of @islandrecords and #arvopärt .Thanks to my fans, my family, my team and to the African continent which has always inspired and supported me!❤️ pic.twitter.com/YWt6xYQrpW

— Angelique Kidjo (@angeliquekidjo) March 28, 2023

In a press release, Kidjo expresses her humility at being bestowed with the Polar Music Prize and acknowledges the responsibility that comes with it, promising to continue doing great work as an artist, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and music ambassador. The award ceremony is scheduled for May 23 in Stockholm.

FAQs
Q1. Who gives the Polar Music Prize?
International recognition of excellence in the world of music, Sweden


Q2. What is the reward money for the Polar Music Prize?
1 million Swedish kronor.