Speaking on a recent episode of the Female Poets Society podcast, Kidjo shared a piece of advice she received early in her career from her father — to never write for political figures, as their power is fleeting and artists who attach themselves to such regimes risk losing credibility and relevance when the political tide turns.
“My father always used to say to us, especially to me as a singer: do not write music for any political party because they come and they go, and once they’re gone, you go with it,” Kidjo said.
She emphasised that musicians must remain free and authentic in expressing their opinions, serving as the voice of the people, not the voice of power.
“Write your music with your opinions. Be free writing your music. Don’t be sold to somebody because therefore, you don’t become the voice of the people anymore — you become the voice of the power. And when that power shifts, you’re off the window,” she added.
Kidjo’s remarks resonate amid growing global conversations about the relationship between art and politics, and the responsibility of artists to use their platforms for truth and social progress — rather than political endorsement.