Most divas are content to live their lives in the spotlight, seeking nothing less than the undying adoration of their fans. Not Angélique Kidjo, the Benin beauty taking over the Adrienne Arsht Center (1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami) this Friday. This singer-songwriter is not only a Grammy-winning artist but also a tireless activist, telling the story of her homeland around the world and sharing her successes with her fellow Africans. Kidjo was raised in a musical household and participated in local choral and musical groups from a young age. She found global success in the early ’90s after recording part of her first album, Logozo, right here in Miami. Her good fortune continued throughout the decade, and in 2002, she was appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. She cofounded the Batonga Foundation, which grants girls in Africa scholarships to continue their education in hopes of a brighter tomorrow. And she’s been leading the charge for women’s rights in her home continent since 2009. Clearly, she’s no selfish superstar. Of course, none of this would be possible without her award-winning, globe-stopping musical prowess. Her voice is strong and clear, her music organic, rhythmic, and as colorful as the Benin rainforests. No doubt she’ll sing a wide variety of songs from her eight albums of original material.
Fri., May 31, 8:30 p.m., 2013