French-Benine singer Angelique Kidjo won the International Prize for Music of the Polar Countries on Tuesday, along with Chris Blackwell, founder of the British production company “Island Records” and Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.
According to Agence France-Presse, Kidjo, 63, who has previously won five Grammy Awards, has been singing for more than 30 years in her father’s and mother’s languages, namely Fon and Yoruba, as well as in French and English.
The Swedish jury members affirmed that “Kidjo is an inspiration, and among the best composers and singers in the world.”
As for the British, Chris Blackwell, 85, in 1959, he established the “Island Records” company, which became one of the most prominent companies after dealing with Bob Marley, Cat Stevens, and the bands “Roxy Music” and “U2”.
The jury noted that the winner, Arvo Part, 87, is “the most played living composer in the world”.
The winners will be awarded their prizes and 600,000 kroner (about $58,000) during a ceremony on May 23 in Stockholm.
