KIDJO VIBES: Star Spills on Backstage Laughs with Benin's Grammy Giant Angelique Kidjo

Ghanaian master flutist Dela Botri has recalled a memorable backstage encounter with Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo during the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Concert.

Dela Botri said he met Kidjo for the first time backstage after their soundcheck, where the two musicians shared jokes and enjoyed a relaxed moment before the concert.

According to him, Kidjo approached him after hearing him speak Ewe on stage during the soundcheck.

“She heard me speaking Ewe on the stage when we were doing a soundcheck,” he said.

The encounter happened in a large backstage area where performers had their individual spaces but could still see and interact with one another.

Dela Botri said the backstage area was filled with international stars, with performers able to watch others on screens as they prepared to take the stage.

“All the artistes from America, everywhere, everybody is there, all the superstars from America,” he recalled.

He said the atmosphere changed when Kidjo came over, describing her as a naturally funny person who brought a lot of energy to their interaction.

“Yes. So we started having fun. Angelique is a funny person. We had a lot of vibes at the backstage,” he said.

Dela Botri said the experience was particularly significant because the concert gave him an opportunity to perform on a major international platform before a huge audience.

He recalled returning to the dressing room after soundcheck and seeing the venue packed with more than 100,000 people.

“I was like, ‘Wow, this is a world stage performance for me and I’m going to do whatever I have to do to make sure Ghana representing,’” he said.