Angélique Kidjo (born on July 14, 1960) is a Grammy Award-winning Beninese … Read Full Bio ↴Angélique Kidjo (born on July 14, 1960) is a Grammy Award-winning Beninese singer, noted for her diverse musical influences and creative music videos.

Kidjo was born in Ouidah, Benin. Her father is Fon from Ouidah and her mother is Yoruba . She grew up listening to James Brown, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, and Santana.

By the time she was six, Kidjo was performing with her mother's theatre troupe, giving her an early appreciation for traditional music and dance. She started singing in her school band Les Sphinx and found success as a teenager with her adaptation of Miriam Makeba's "Les Trois Z" which played on national radio. She recorded the album Pretty with the Camerounese producer Ekambi Brilliant and her brother Oscar. It featured the songs Ninive, Gbe Agossi and a tribute to the singer Bella Bellow, one of her role models. The success of the album allowed her to tour all over West Africa. Continuing political conflicts in Benin prevented her from being an independent artist in her own country and led her to relocate to Paris in 1982.

While working various day jobs to pay for her tuition, Angelique studied music at the CIM, a reputable Jazz school in Paris where she met and married musician and producer Jean Hebrail with whom she has composed most of her music. She started out as a backup singer in local bands. In 1985, she became the front singer of the known Euro-African jazz/rock band Jasper van't Hof's Pili Pili. Three Pili Pili studio albums followed: Jakko(1987) Be In Two Minds (1988, produced by Marlon Klein) and Hotel Babo (1990). By the end of the 1980s, she had become one of the most popular live performers in Paris and recorded a solo album called Parakou for the Open Jazz Label.

She was then discovered in Paris by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell who signed her in 1991. She recorded four albums for Island until Chris Blackwell's departure from the label. In 2000 she was signed in New York by Columbia Records for which she recorded two albums.

Her musical influences include the Afropop, Caribbean zouk, Congolese rumba, jazz, gospel, and Latin styles; as well as her childhood idols Bella Bellow, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Miriam Makeba and Carlos Santana.

She has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002. With UNICEF, she has traveled to many countries in Africa. Reports on her visits can be found on the UNICEF site. Kidjo founded The Batonga Foundation which gives girls a secondary school and higher education so they can take the lead in changing Africa. The foundation is doing this by granting scholarships, building secondary schools, increasing enrollment, improving teaching standards, providing school supplies, supporting mentor programs, exploring alternative education models and advocating for community awareness of the value of education for girls.

She has campaigned for Oxfam at the 2005 Hong Kong WTO meeting, for the their Fair Trade Campaign and travelled with them in North Kenya and at the border of Darfur and Chad with a group of women leaders in 2007 and contributed to the video for the In My Name Campaign with Will I Am from The Black Eyed Peas. She has hosted the Mo Ibrahim Foundation's Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in Alexandria, Egypt on November 26th, 2007 and on November 15th, 2008

Agolo
Angélique Kidjo Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké

Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Eman tché foya lénin
Ifé foun gbogbo ayé
Eman tché gbagbé ifé
Ifé foun ilé baba wa
Ifé ayé ilé
Igbahoun foun ayé
Ifé ayé ilé
Igbahoun foun ayé

Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Eman tché foya lénin
Ifé foun gbogbo ayé
Eman tché gbagbé ifé
Ifé foun ilé baba wa
Ifé ayé ilé
Igbahoun foun ayé
Ifé ayé ilé
Igbahoun foun ayé

Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo
Agolo agolo agolo agolo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo
Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Morio orio
Ola djou monké n'lo

Ola djou monké
Ola djou monké n'lo

Overall Meaning

"Agolo" is a song by Angélique Kidjo, a Beninese singer and songwriter, released in 1994. The lyrics of the song are in the Fon language of Benin, a country located on the west coast of Africa. The song's central message is about resisting oppressive forces that deprive people of their humanity.

The opening lines, "Morio orio, Ola djou monké n'lo" are a traditional call-and-response chant commonly used in Benin at social gatherings to create a festive atmosphere. The lyrics encourage people to dance and celebrate in the face of adversity. The next verses mention "Eman tché foya lénin" and "Ifé foun gbogbo ayé", which mean "We are the children of the land" and "We are a part of the world" respectively. These lines convey the idea that we are all connected and share a common humanity.

The chorus of "Agolo agolo agolo agolo" is a rallying cry that embodies the spirit of resistance against oppression. The word "agolo" means "life" in the Fon language, and the repeated use of the word underscores its importance to the people of Benin.

Overall, "Agolo" is a song that celebrates community, freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through its traditional rhythms and empowering lyrics, it inspires people to resist oppressive forces and celebrate their shared humanity.

Line by Line Meaning

Morio orio
The repetitive sound of drums or percussion instruments that sets the mood of the song and creates a rhythm for the lyrics to follow.

Ola djou monké n'lo
A call to the spirits or the divine for protection and guidance.

Eman tché foya lénin
We must have strength and resilience to face the challenges of life.

Ifé foun gbogbo ayé
Love is what binds and sustains us all in this world.

Eman tché gbagbé ifé
We must never forget the power and importance of love.

Ifé foun ilé baba wa
Love is what connects us to our ancestors and heritage.

Ifé ayé ilé
Love is what keeps us grounded in this world.

Igbahoun foun ayé
We must always remember that love is the foundation of life.

Agolo agolo agolo agolo
The repetition of 'agolo' is an African chant that represents the voice of the people coming together in unity and solidarity.

Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC FRANCE
Written by: ANGELIQUE KIDJO, JEAN LOUIS PIERRE HEBRAIL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Comments from YouTube:

@ChristelleUWURUKUNDO

2w↑15

Anyone from Rwanda 🇷🇼 kenya🇰🇪 uganda🇺🇬 and nigeria🇳🇬 listening to this in 2024

@tinyade.s

2w↑1

And Malawi!🇲🇼

@bee0T7

2w↑2

Tanzania 🇹🇿

@margaretmatovu8276

2w↑1

Uganda 🇺🇬

@majestytheyenvy7896

15w↑78

Anyone here from 2024?

@LindaStenmanSvensson-ef4jk

3w↑1

Yes 😀

@olamitoyosi9437

Ma type

@richardkatongole5067

3w↑1

In from 2033. What year is this?

@dyamondeAngie

Yea

@LindaStenmanSvensson-ef4jk

3w↑1

@@richardkatongole5067 The year of the song, or what year it is now? 🤭

3 More Replies...

@powerhouse5050

6w↑120

Who is listening to this timeless piece in 2024?

@user-ye9uq9bb2d

6w↑2

meeeeeeee🤩 great hit after years still

@powerhouse5050

@@user-ye9uq9bb2d Old wine 🍷 is always the best

@user-ek6iq4ki5s

6w↑1

Boa melodia! 2024

@dbrightsekley7201

❤

@chiedoziendubuilo20

5w↑1

This music hits differently at night

5 More Replies...

@akinyemi554

4w↑26

I'm here this day 25th of March 2024 to listen to one of African legend once again. i am a YORUBA Nigerian, Ma'am this is a job well done

@ebakomick748

4y↑4.1K

100% Africa.... if you’re from Africa and still listening to this jam..... hit like 🔥

@pennyhango3186

4y↑7

Ebako Mick 🔥

@CosminTruta

4y↑92

I'm not from Africa. (I'm from Europe). Still listening to this jam. I'm hitting "like" anyway... hope you won't mind ;-)

@roses4me451

4y↑39

Since civilization started in "The Motherland" (Africa) when we ALL should hit the like button.

@alluringbliss4165

4y↑25

I'm from USA , still listening

@michele33s68

4y↑22

From America but I still hit LIKE

86 More Replies...

@rosinahngalasa4038

15w↑24

2024 anyone?

@muziki8090

7w↑1

Oh yeah

@meijie9171

Mmeee😂❤

@clancymasima7501

6w↑1

I still listen to the song and really enjoy it ❤❤

@priscagyamwodie2740

I’m here 😂😂😂😂. Team 2024

@adnanmundi6590

2y↑1.7K

The real meaning of the lyrics of this song is deeper than the very few verses that Angelique Kidjo sang.
The wordings are from a popular Yoruba nation folklore about Olajumoke, a beautiful young damsel who refused all suitors until a lone dashing mysterious rich young man (very many adjectives here :-)) came along, bearing gifts. The parents had misgivings about the man who had no courting entourage, as they could find out nothing about his family origins or the source of his wealth. Against her parent's better judgement she fell head over heels in love and decided to marry the man. After the marriage, as was the custom, it was time to go with her man and that was when the drama unfolded for her and she sang this song, a desperate cry for help, but it was too late. Why? The man was a spirit being and is made of only a head ('ori' in Yoruba language) with borrowed body parts. The family members will normally go part of the way with a bride to see her safely on her way, but as they progressed on the journey to the underworld, home of the spirit man, he started returning the borrowed bits to the owners. Olajumoke was mortified, she sang and sang but she was beyond redemption, the deal had been sealed. The song was addressing her family members that Ori (head personified) is taking her (Olajumoke) away!!!

As usual with African folklores, there is a moral in the story for anyone who is discerning.

@akonwiegastongaston6397

2y↑56

We used to tell this story as kids.

@fatoo3009

2y↑53

I love your comment 🥰🥰🥰🥰. Many thanks from Senegal 🇸🇳🇸🇳

@ebukstv6447

2y↑34

Wow,....interesting story

@neilwhisler5658

2y↑67

Wow. The Pieces of a Man. The continent being broken up into pieces and given to owners. The ongoing struggle of a woman still losing when she finally gets her man bc love isn't everything. So much. 🙏🏽

@themanmanjaro

2y↑105

You, my friend, are a great story teller. This was beautifully summarized, thanks

143 More Replies...

@marief4071

11w↑25

Hummm quand ça tournait en boucle sur ORTB!!!!! Quelle nostalgie! Longue vie maman! 🌹🌹Qui est ici en 2024?

@chiedoziendubuilo20

Good old days

@earvinmuianga3739

5y↑556

The director of this video was so ahead of is time

@mercypepella5465

4y↑13

Agreed!

@timeeak4599

4y↑23

So right there. Can't believe it's a 90s video.

@miriamwangechi5795

4y↑5

I thought so too

@ayeleru7489

4y↑7

That's because it was not made in Nigeria

@danielquinho4085

4y↑2

Yup....so ahead

19 More Replies...

@recordsisters1615

4y↑1.1K

Here after she won the grammy,she deserves it.

@arossan

4y↑8

Record Sisters I’m here

@samuellee2107

4y↑26

She's still the legend we grew up listening to in French Africa. What a discography!😮

@ministeradamsonyobe8684

4y↑5

Absolutely 👍

@j-twistle9860

4y↑4

How many times.

Allow the young ones shine

Burna's put in so much work too

@ismahilo-trybe8909

4y↑15

No be say our Burna no work hard enough😍😍 but Angelique issa music winnch

18 More Replies...

@earthsign6305

12w↑73

I am here to mark, the register in 2024. I was here last year though. Cos' i don't get, tired of my Angelica Kidjo. She reminds, me of ancient African female warriors who are fearless. I am from, the bloodline of warriors. And i kinda, connect with her songs to raise my vibration.

@joaqimkhesser

This is dope.

@Sir-Kay

47w↑212

When you've sang a song and almost 30 years later you fans still come back to it like it was released yesterday, you know you're a legend. Much appreciate your contribution to music Angelique Kidjo.

@musokelionel3521

28w

this is so true. Used to watch these songs on CHannel O (Mnet). songs of the time

@fabrice7182

23w↑4

I’m 26 years old so imagine my shock when I found out this music video is older than me. Too ahead of its time and timeless at the same time

@uchennauzoma378

21w

Very true...

@wilfdie2770

12w

😊😊😊'@@musokelionel3521

@victoriaakotodanso5260

2y↑880

This is definitely a timeless song, who is still jamming to this in 2021, lets gather here.

@urshieurshie212

2y↑13

In my 40's now, still jamming to this classic. Taking me back to my teenage years in Soweto shoooo. 🇿🇦

@leslyneeboko3724

2y↑2

ME
still enjoying the track

@leyland2725

2y↑2

we are here

@awmy3109

2y↑5

Here we are December 2021

@gaolekwe

2y↑2

Re kaofela!

45 More Replies...

@nanafidousi746

5y↑1.3K

Am actually doing the tears of joy thing right now , who is filling this with me in 2019

@mrOga

5y↑2

Me too

@adeloyesogo3479

5y↑1

Nana Fidousi I do listen to it 5 to 6 times a day. To control my angers ❤️ 🙈

@abdoulayediarra9612

5y↑12

I grew up listening to this

@zakariamohammed7384

See my tears 😭

@godwinmpazi1560

5y↑9

I was a boy then .Now holding my own son and nodin to this still.

36 More Replies...

@Sergio_kufa

2w↑1

Eu sou Angolano e estou aqui a reviver essa obra prima ❤🇦🇴🇦🇴

One love fron angola 🇦🇴 2024

@n.m6249

2y↑295

I'm from South Africa and I'm crazy about the sounds of west Africa. I don't understand a word but I love them Angelique kidjo, Yousssor Ndou, Salif Keita, Cecira Evora. We must preserve the work of these legends, they belong to Africa

@YONCE8701

2y↑5

Dude I was just listening to Salif Keita (searched myself for both artists). That's fond of them and course I love the Senegalese Prince himself.....understand Salif as it's my granny's language but not the rest but still love and sing it loud😅

@mondlibenedict5486

2y↑10

This song played on SABC-1 daily before BnB in the late 90's so that why most South Africans can remember this song.

@eleonorenzong719

49w↑4

And also Myriam Makeba THE African Queen. 🥰🥰🥰👍🏿

@palesamogorosi8939

42w↑3

You and I are alike. West African music is the best.

@allanmason7882

28w↑3

And I used to think this was a South African song when I was younger lol

4 More Replies...

@ramsheddy

4y↑415

I tell youngsters music did not start with Davido and naija, we had legends.

@gladyshycienth4710

4y↑33

We know that.. But do you also know that most of her songs are yoruba? Stop all these division.. We are all from one Africa.. Africa is One.. United we stand.

@augustasesay4343

3y↑1

Exactly

@baisinbu98

Please tell them.

@oluwadamilola6233

3y↑2

She is half Naija actually.. I'm sure anyone with a brain knows Afro music doesn't start with Afrobeats

@kalonjeebless

Repeat it to them 1000x

11 More Replies...

@wofaieloma3358

4y↑1.1K

Who is here January 2020 after she wins over burna

@ajagoramah302

4y↑2

Here

@arossan

4y↑24

I’m here with you but never knew she sang this song

@ikeohene2780

4y↑1

Never knew he sang this

@pennyhango3186

4y↑1

WOFAI ELOMA me 😂

@ibijojuakinyeye4438

Here o

24 More Replies...

@siphesihlethabethe6791

30w↑26

I grew up listening to this beautiful woman. My father was a truck driver from South Africa. He traveled to many other African countries, the music he would play was different from what was playing on our radios. Everytime I play this song, it takes me back to when I was kid and my dad was alive.

@noordembele3073

1y↑80

when I was a kid I was afraid of this video clip but now I realize It's a work of art

@ashleymadzinga6711

1y↑1

Maybe there is something about u. Special

@camaraansu5628

1y↑1

Me too when I was a kid and I was afraid for this video clip but now I like it so much❤❤❤

@fin-rb3yz

1y↑1

🤣🤣🤣

@emekaonelum7045

3y↑322

I envy the people of Benin Republic. They don't know the jewel they have in Angelique Kidjo.. We Nigerians adore her.. ♥️♥️

@gathsfamily2866

2y↑17

So do we Kenyans!!!!

@geraldoagohoue3132

2y↑41

@Emeka Onelum, don't worry. We know she is priceless. And she does not belong to Benin only, but also to Nigeria and whole Africa. As you surely noticed, she is singing in Yoruba. Africa is one, our people is one. Only colonial borders separate us, and our challenge is to reunite.

@femiokunade4263

2y↑18

@@geraldoagohoue3132 Don’t be ignorance there are Yoruba people in Benin republic formally call ajashe before it was change to Porto-Novo so Angelique is a full blooded Yoruba

@geraldoagohoue3132

2y↑27

Femi Okunade, we are saying the same thing. There are Yoruba in Benin, not only in Porto-Novo, but in other areas too, such as Ketu, Pobe, Save, Bante and other cities. I'm just pointing out we are the same people, separated by colonial borders. So don't envy people of Benin, as Angelique Kidjo belongs to whole Africa, and so to Nigeria and to you two. Here in Benin, we enjoy King Sunny Ade, Ayinla Kollington, Tiwa Savage... even if they are not born in Benin.

@avateraangshoe5025

2y↑3

@@geraldoagohoue3132 that's a fcking lie we were divided even before the colonial masters came. They just divided us in another way. Our forefathers never called themselves "Africans" until the colonial masters came

13 More Replies...

@jetset3049

1y↑11

I'm from Chile and I now this song because it was the intro song of a very popular soap opera in the 90s LOL

@milito691

Oro Verde 1997 💚

@victormbuki1010

1y↑11

I was in Korea some years back and this song played in restaurant.. Everyone stopped eating and the replayed the song again and again...

@manokeyce

35w↑35

2023 and this songs still giving me chills as when I was young and use to listen from my neighbors speakers. With Love to Angelique form MOZAMBIQUE

@U2lover

22w↑1

Yes it's a song is timeless and full of energy

@nancymichael6448

4y↑500

Only idiot will say she doesnt deserve the Grammy Award. This are all classic songs and was a major part of our childhood. We danced to all this song's in our pants. She's a legend. Period

@ewereonobe5131

nancy michael so the music is old, or she replayed it again?

@anenevitusomeje7761

4y↑16

Ewere Onobe Agolo was a hit single yielded by her album called Aye, released in 1994. This woman has been active in music since 1982

@jaydonngbale908

4y↑1

Yh that's true an idiot would say that 😂😂

@ainaodole6052

4y↑1

@@ewereonobe5131 Not replayed but real video

@Admire111

3y↑3

Why are people mentioning burna???? FFS. I have been listening to Angelique since I was a kid and I am older than burna boy!!! No comparison here.

5 More Replies...

@sizwendlanzi8181

8y↑518

This makes me love AFRICA even more, I'm proud to be BLACK!!!

@mariedessalines9502

7y↑13

You are African! Black is just used to confuse

@rikard1414

7y↑19

This makes me love the earth even more, i´m proud to be human!!!

@maryloch4385

6y↑7

love africa

@mariamlutakome6406

6y↑4

Sizwe Ndlanzi give me five

@michaelkokaa5516

6y↑6

our beautiful home mama Africa

19 More Replies...

@sammuindi3328

Kenya here listening to this Queen for the last thirty years

@jmainex

2y↑105

This song was well ahead of its time. The directing, video cuts, singing etc is just on point

@itsafoeri3545

3y↑155

Before there was Burna boy, wizkid, Tiwa savage, Davido, and all the others, there was ANGELIQUE KIDJO she paved the way for other African artists to become prominent today and she is true Queen of African Music. She walked so they could run.

@VanIyke

1y↑9

And before her there was Mariam Makeba and Fela.

@gilfernando7623

9y↑601

This is how Africa needs to be represented. Nice job Angelique!

@Robertahausen

8y↑3

+Gil ttfabio absolutely

@maryloch4385

6y↑1

gotta getme more dance lesson vouchers

@byteseq

6y↑1

Except this is 24 years ago...

@karlbertiljohnsson

6y↑5

Africa is not a country!!! Benin is only one out many countries in Africa.

@byteseq

6y↑12

@@karlbertiljohnsson Noone mentioned countries.

8 More Replies...

@Uncovering.Africa

As Africans, we missed the chance to kick off the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with this song. It embodies the true African rhythm and message that we should share with the world. It's a genuine African anthem.

@rkgke9453

26w↑3

From Kenya..i used to listen to this song when i was little. Purely African

@seunni

4y↑374

Angelique Kidjo is a legend. And the fact that she sings beautifully in different languages....yoruba, dahomey, Portuguese, English etc.

@nomsashongwe6332

3y↑1

What language is this?

@seunni

3y↑15

@@nomsashongwe6332 Yoruba language from West Africa. Its one of the predominant ones in Nigeria, Republic of Benin

@nomsashongwe6332

3y↑3

@@seunni I now know, thank you🌸

@dreyb1801

3y↑7

And in Togo

@pwao

In Spanish too! (Just search Agolo in Spanish)

6 More Replies...

@sutu19

3y↑264

the director of this video is a legend and he was so ahead of time, doing this type of video those days with good graphic is still keeping me surprised..pls who knows the name of the director

@gavinrichter488

3y↑16

Video director is Michel Meyer.

@letlhogonoloboikanyo3162

2y↑2

Took the words out ma mouf!

@FM-gu5kt

2y↑7

It should be remastered.

@rockzymike2935

2y↑2

i agree with you

@graphicsRat

2y↑4

I always loved the video. Still holds up 20+ years later.

3 More Replies...

@marlowebster487

22w↑5

Aunty Angelique, I saw you last night with my 12-year-old daughter. We enjoyed every minute and when you sang Agolo; the song that captivated my mind and heart as a teenager in Jamaica 🇯🇲 almost three decades ago... I still can't believe I watched you perform last night, it was unbelievable 🤩 You are my favourite francophone singer and now I've seen all my top three Baaba Maal at the Royal Festival Hall and Youssou N'Dour with you last night. Thank you for your voice, beauty,and message of freedom and dignity for all. Lots of love and respect 🎉❤️🙏🏽

@okotela02

1y↑28

This song deserves to have a billion views

@oluwalasinubamidele9642

3y↑394

"Ori! Ori O!! Olajumoke n lo" (Head! Head!! Olajumoke is leaving) is a clarion call from a sentinel (Turtoise/Parrot) stationed to alert Olajumoke's husband (an incorporeal spirit being called Ori) whenever she tries to escape the spirit world. "Agolo" is an artistic masterpiece that has a deep meaning. "Agolo" literally means a can or a gong used by ancient royal town crier to makes public pronouncements. It symbolically represents a call to Africans all over the world to not be afraid and to always remember the love for their homeland (mother Africa).

@akinyanmodiafolabi7289

2y↑1

Thank u.. your phone number sir

@Ayshat

2y↑27

Although, I have read variations of the meaning 'Agolo,' but, she is speaking in Benin Yoruba, and I think there, the agolo means 'PLEASE' instead of Nigerian Yoruba meaning 'CAN' or a container.. Her Yoruba is Benin Yoruba, not the Nigerian

@rubenetsescauseries2632

2y↑13

@@akinyanmodiafolabi7289 agolo is fon language, is mean please. Is fon langage , is Dahomey an language. This music is mixage of Yoruba and fon .

@oluwadamilola6233

2y↑4

@@rubenetsescauseries2632 ok cool but why would she say pls in this context ,it doesn't fit ,the song is yoruba,only the "agolo" chant part is questionable could be fọn or yoruba.

@EddieMorsVlogs

What a great message in this song

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@saucy05

8y↑740

Shout out to people who used to watch this on channel O some 15 odd years ago.

@wbami2170

8y↑6

+saucy05
i knooooow...lol

@Tola-sx3np

8y↑2

+saucy05 Yes part of the gang.

@kitsontuli2713

8y↑8

+saucy05 lol when channel O was still on SABC1

@dieoxin

8y↑4

+saucy05 Also saw this on channel O years ago back when I was in South Africa. I always had this song playing in my head but could never figure out who sang it until a friend mentioned if i knew this song. I was in shock as I never told him that i liked this song. He knew the song and the artist and I've listened to this song many times today! Great track!!!

@udakangwa6091

8y↑3

+saucy05 I'm one of that generation as a kid

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@sprigflower

35w↑5

Love from Sweden. This song still delivers!

@nieltate55

30w↑6

I'm not from Africa directly. African via Jamaica but love this song.

@latzobear

7y↑211

no one has mentioned how beautiful the models are.

@markov4119

5y↑2

Indeed...!

@razakhamani1091

5y↑2

Very beautiful indeed and fit as well , all these movements are hard to perform if you not fit , bless them.

@shalliethegod2365

1y↑7

Leaving this comment for my kids to find, so they'll know they have a great mum with exquisite taste in music 💜

@standup4stars692

2y↑210

She is so unique and energetic in such a manner Africans should be portraited, she deserves Grammy award again and again 👏 💖

@ancientofdayz3012

2y↑1

Still jambing

@ayomideoluwafemi3300

2y↑6

She is the greatest, not surprised she beat Wizkid, content definitely separates her from everyone.

@gladysndungwa7305

2y↑2

For sure

@standup4stars692

2y↑2

@@ayomideoluwafemi3300 yes you are right?

@idrismohammed8176

2y↑2

Real African music

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@seunolugbemi6394

2y↑279

I'm still jamming this in 2022. This is definitely her best of all time

@tumedisomakobonyane5987

2y↑2

🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️🙋🏾‍♀️

@er2206

Same ❤❤

@hun186

2y↑2

18-08-2022

@serignemodou2429

1y↑1

Yes yes a great great song. Its not a world music but a Paradise music.

@nyemikeonukwu6964

Same here oh !

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@maseengmasitha6212

3y↑134

I am 28. I remember seeing this song on TV as a child and being absolutely mesmerised. Just hypnotic. I still call it the African anthem even as an African who doesn't know what she's saying.

@blessingharuna4404

2y↑2

my exact thought, this song is timeless.

@ifmaatv9083

1y↑1

in summary she talks about the importance of showing love to all and love of the land

@ifmaatv9083

the love of its source and its origins

@congoboy9626

1y↑3

@@ifmaatv9083 no you are totally wrong. The song tells a story of a woman who fell in love with a man who later transpired to be a spirit man and the woman was tied without escape

@victorchulu8033

@@congoboy9626 😳😳😳😳

@John_Weiss

3y↑89

I associate this song with writing my doctoral dissertation back in 1997-1998.
I'd listen to the radio while typing away, and Agolo was the opening song of … some program, I no longer remember what … that played at 1am. As soon as I heard Angelique's voice, it was a signal to me to get ready to take a break from writing and get/make some coffee. Which I'd do once the song stopped.
And that is why this random white guy associates Angelique Kidjo with his PhD in physics. Her voice, and this song, kept me company during those lonely wee hours while I was typing in equations.

@pjmvdbroek

2y↑1

Good company

@childofjesus2099

😊

@Morgue12free

2y↑2

That's a great story. I hope you were able to complete the thesis and found success in the field. Thanks to Mama Kidjo

@John_Weiss

@@Morgue12free Oh, I finished my doctorate, in 1998. But I left academia and made a complete career change to software development.

@seismicvertigo345

@@John_Weiss lol.. if you studied physics, that's not even a career change anymore... it's just where physics bros go when the professors just won't quit. I'm glad you associate with the song as such. I'm also into physics.. and errrm.. software dev (but not by choice lol)

3 More Replies...

@discusion9821

2y↑2

This video was ahead of its time seriously

@theluckies8and227

2y↑51

Mon Dieu, cette chanson et surtout le clip m'ont marqué très jeune. Et le fait que 30 ans après l'effet sur moi soit resté le même, est juste incroyable !!!

@wilsonmcjohn5504

11w

I can't believe this was 1995. How did they do the CGI?

@koikoi9292

4y↑30

This is honestly a prime example of a video that was way ahead of its time. it's simply enchanting to watch each shot of this masterpiece 😍😍😍

@Ghostmanriding

4y↑4

When I first saw this video in 1994,I watched over and over for hours.It was /is brilliant on so many levels.
I think it's easily one of the best music videos ever made.

@gmambo2053

You can say that again sis!

@emmanuelchukwuebukaumeyor8553

52w

Say that again. Michael Meyer who directed the song and his team saw the future honestly. 1994 song looking like it was released now!

@Jsebina1

4y↑10

I have been looking for this song. Finally I have gotten it. Love from Uganda, the Pearl of Africa

@sarahdesmond5328

1y↑3

Funny how i wasn't born or neither do i even know about this song but it now on all my playlists on repeat

@austinmhlope5343

2y↑5

Mma Angelique Kidjo, we still love you here in South Africa ♥♥♥♥

@aldofreckdovonou7092

2y↑8

Béninois et fier de toi maman Angélique kidjo.. nous t’aimons.. fierté béninoise et africaine 🇧🇯

@Realnjabulonkosi

9w↑9

2024 are we still here?

Just marking the register

@tebohomasoeu4271

51w↑3

This song was a hit in South Africa.. Studio Mix never failed to play it

@Jackofalltradeandmasterofall

51w↑1

Just like vul'i ndlela was a hit in Nigeria also umboquombotti

@ennybanda8312

21w↑4

I used to listen to this song when I was young.Here we are again in my 30's

@TheKing60210

5y↑343

Wakanda in the 90s looked beautiful

@muhammadel-mukhtarzakaria4168

5y↑23

Song should have been incorprated in black panther...

@nitt1559

AHAHAAHAHA YES,sir!

@wambokodavid7109

5y↑3

that was my thought exactly........this particular song

@fernandot988

4y↑9

Check 2:37

@SuperMyeva

TokenBlackGuy just stfu

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@obedthemagnificent7128

2y↑4

Can we appreciate how the video is also far ahead of it's time.

@christlandou3620

2y↑45

I'am congolais 🇨🇬 Africa is simply the best continent in the world and it is a debate, through our beautiful sounds God bless Africa

@oscarsambo9981

17w

Is not just Africa but….The world is the greatest and the best creation ever. The creator doesn’t take favouritism from anyone.

@thinksmart4703

4y↑151

Wow! this song brings back childhood memories in Africa. They use to play this song alot on TV in cameroon in the early 90's.

@africansmustwiseuptvshow7935

4y↑10

You're actually right, same as well in Nigeria early 90's

@danielhansen-addy7025

4y↑2

Absolutely true man!
Was the Jam back in the days in Benin.😀😀😀

@eddyevarist2593

4y↑3

i remember i used to scare 😀😀😀 childhood memories thy used to play on tv almost evryday in Tanzania

@kazikazini1042

@@eddyevarist2593 Umeona ee

@solangeameck3100

4y↑1

You can say that again I loved it then and it has not changed

8 More Replies...

@Vindy_alawode

4y↑117

Who else is watching this in July 2020?❤️❤️❤️

@ashineduogwu6326

4y↑1

✌️✌️✌️

@ashineduogwu6326

👍👍♥️♥️

@colinbrazil05

🔥🥰💯👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

@blessingtawandamhlanga616

🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽

@lydiahminu9090

4y↑1

August 2020

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@Blaccslimshady94

Been searching for this song for 10 years 😭😭😭😭 finally found it

@StanzaMata

4w↑1

Such a timeless hit ❤… love from Rwanda❤🇷🇼🇷🇼

@Sky-dv8mj

2y↑5

U are loved and appreciated in South Africa dear 🌹💞 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

@sidykonate4407

5y↑319

On ecoute toujour mm en 2019 ❤❤🙏🙏Angélique

@trynnafindrahma

5y↑1

Wesh c'est vrai

@aminatouborokinni4050

5y↑2

Carrement

@delveccocapricorn343

5y↑1

Sidy Konate oui! Juillet 2019

@delveccocapricorn343

5y↑1

Juillet 2019 en Floride États Unis 🇺🇸

@mijopanier697

💕

5 More Replies...

@temiladeadeoye2540

3w↑2

I am here to say I really love your song have been listening too your song since when I was kid I was born 1992 and up till now that I am grown up I bhave never forgeted agolo song I always feel I am in the song I have always dreamt of meeting you mamm 😊❤ I can never forget you and your songs they are much I really know I feel like meeting you but no connection but I don't know how too sing like that and ibam from Nigeria yoruba ( Ekiti) I just want you too know that someone loves you here❤❤ whenever I listening too the song its touches my heart may God keep you long for us and I am dancing to your song now because I like dancing ❤❤❤

@DJJEFFPRO

3w↑1

this song reminds me of my late dad he used to listen to such oldie vibes that's why i also love this one so much. this woman really deserves more than grammy

@RealLeystar

7y↑132

I'm a South African and I have no idea what this songs says but that's the beauty of music it transcends language barriers. Reminds me alot about my childhood

@alphabogeyman7462

5y↑45

It's a Yoruba folklore story,my grandma taught me and my siblings. The story is popular among all Yorubas here in Nigeria. Although she's Beninnoise,they speak Yoruba in some parts of the country too.
It's a story about a girl called Olajumoke who fell in love with a man who was a monster pretending to be a man,the elders of the village observed it but the stubborn girl never listened to the warnings of the elders. They used the story to teach us not to be disobedient.

@ghoulachafik7086

5y↑7

I confirm. I am Algerian adn do not understand a word of the song but I love it blindly.

@femibellois2603

5y↑3

@@alphabogeyman7462 You're 100% correct.

@guillaumerusengo9371

5y↑4

When I saw the masks I thought she was talking about Ile ife. I could hear ife!

@femibellois2603

5y↑1

@@guillaumerusengo9371 Ife = love

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@ShangoHeruGinen1791

1y↑52

I grew up listening to her music. It was her and Fela Kuti that inspired me to embrace my African heritage and ancestors. I met her at the African Festival of the Arts in 2005. She is an amazing person. 💖🌍

@nyemikeonukwu6964

1y↑3

Yeah ! Fela was another legend.

@DVNFLX

2y↑2

2022 · We Had A Pandemic - But I Still Listen To My Childhood When MusicTV, Cassettes And Radiostations Where Before Spotify ! #1983

@blanchebibid6713

39w↑2

Who still listening to this amazing song now ❤❤❤

@vifironomo7941

4y↑123

This legendary song deserves more than just 2 million views.

@moussadiop4055

2y↑5

From senegal 🇸🇳💪🥰 Africa ♥️

@dianakiladikeurtys6420

1y↑5

Angélique Kidjo the Woman king of Afrika 🌍❤️🌍❤️🌍

@ornellasigning124

2y↑51

I remember my Mom Used to play it on the DVD back then I was so SCARED of this vid but while growing up I started missing it until I finally saw it on TV & started loving it more and more ✨

@harryjayy3423

2y↑3

I swear!

@voke_kamaa

2y↑1

Same😂😂

@empressnicola408

Fuh reallllll...every weekend I would run to the TV just to watch her videos...#MyFirstAfroBeatStar❤❤❤❤️‍🔥🇹🇹🥰❤️‍🔥👑🌍🖤🌍🖤👊🏾🇹🇹❤️‍🔥🥰

@marianngitau8871

5y↑24

This video was way ahead of it’s time and still is! Timeless!

@humancreator1469

So true

@yvesetobe2761

9y↑204

We need to create a category for this type of artist!
Outstanding! Hyperclass!

@Robertahausen

8y↑8

+Yves ETOBE My sentiments exactly... People like Angelique and Amadour and Miriam and Yat-Kha, all that cultural music should not be lost

@ellieamissah3759

8y↑2

They have it is called world music.

@m0n4c3

7y↑14

World Music is what privileged people invented to fit all the genres they don't understand. I agree this needs to be identified correctly.

@maryloch4385

I'm working on a global spirit surf thought 4 Genre

@allanhernandez2508

World Music Artists

3 More Replies...

@l1i9

17w↑9

J suis là jusqu'à l'infini, sa voix m'emporte bien que j ne comprends sa langue, une Togolaise t'envoie encore des fleurs de bonheur ❤🥀💐👍❤❤❤💚

@l1i9

12w

Merci

@aminatumahmoud2580

1y↑23

I used to be scared of this woman because of her music videos, but since I grew up I understand her now , big up to the legend Angelique ❤❤❤❤

@wongsmduma6360

5y↑62

I'm a dignified member of Africa, whoever undermines me insult the intelligence of whoever created black. I therefore stand tall and proud like a tower!!!!

@gettyjohnson4291

3y↑48

A measly 3m views?? This song is legendary. Deserves way way more

@vivianebube6618

2y↑2

I was disappointed too 😖

@evasiondelices8185

41w↑6

Waouh,chanson en yoruba de Angélique,c’est encore à l’ordre du jour depuis tout ce temps ❤❤.Merci de faire valoriser nos cultures ❤❤

@Goonie0905

1y↑78

Just discovered this song and I love it. I'm Indian and I love Nigerian culture!! ❤️

@richardkomme3123

1y↑21

She is from Benin, not nigeria

@Classiclagosboy

1y↑7

@@richardkomme3123 she's also from Nigeria fam!

@nyemikeonukwu6964

1y↑4

Her mum yoruba (Nigeria)

@fortune2304

1y↑6

@@nyemikeonukwu6964 there are also yoruba from benin. We call them anago, ife, isha, shabe, idasha. Its a great ethnic of Benin

@nyemikeonukwu6964

1y↑5

@@fortune2304 very correct. I read Yoruba are 2nd largest ethnic group in benin.

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@TheAkinzo1

3y↑57

Who else is watching this and remembering the early years of DBN and AIT in Lagos...memories.

@henryijeoma

I do man!!

@abodomorgan1138

That years am still serve as a boy ...1995 ...is not easy

@charleseldon9402

I swear

@luckydaniel9736

3y↑1

Very well I still remember DBN On my dad's black and white television

@vula4u958

3y↑1

Channel O

2 More Replies...

@ickyoyj2204

4y↑129

She's a great woman who represents the true culture of Africa.

@VirtuousOyinda

32w↑14

I can't believe they sang this song 30+ years ago....I love it😢😢❤❤❤It helps me connect with my root, my heritage. I love Africa 🌍

@elisabethsjogren3752

1y↑1

I'm not from Africa but i definitly listen to Agolo. I remember when I heard it the first time. On swedish radio. In 1994.

@vikriah527

5y↑54

I wish we embraced more of our African beauty like in this video. They all look amazing.

@diallomariama9279

5y↑64

Qui est là pour avoir vu cette merveilleuse dame chanter lors de la commémoration du centenaire de l’armistice??😊😇

@komihounsrou6449

5y↑2

C était merveilleux, ce jour là.

@Nyallay30

41w

Dammmn…. I have been looking for this song for ages. Lot of memories

@Withlovelondi

A living legend!! ❤ love from Southy 🇿🇦

@myopinion195

1y↑7

2023 we’re still dancing hard to the song even when we don’t understand the language. Love from South Africa ❤

@chiderajames8387

8y↑430

Unfortunately this cultural colourfulness and richness is lacking in today's music videos by African pop acts.

@rvdicalthekid719

8y↑12

Thats not entirely true. You have to stop being contented with whats given you and actually search for those gems

@chiderajames8387

8y↑31

Well that's the point. You have to search first. Generally, the mainstream acts don't posess this sort of aesthetics.

@stellam.5381

6y↑9

Keep searching, by searching for it you're promoting and exposing it to those who don't know of it.

@Sebastien-yv8fj

ichidera James

@sammbabazi2849

5y↑5

Angelique Kidjo is truly blessed with her great art work. This song gives me goosebumps. I first heard it aged 13 and the effect is still the same!! Her traditional African themed music videos make me a proud African!

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@LastEmperor86

2y↑3

Kijo the Kenyan beauty❤️🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

@actiontv3967

2y↑2

This song remind me of my late mother and grandmother 😭😭😭😭

@Luckymizinga

1y↑25

Am from Lusaka Zambia 🇿🇲 Central Africa and still listen to this master piece. Our parents in the early 90s used to Listen to this Jam, i dont understand the language used but i can tell its a very deep story that we all can learn from. Music is Therapy for the Soul. Thank you Angelique Kidjo for this Masterpiece. ❤

@heyamjoe

1y↑2

Sounds Arcade on ZNBC huh?

@matesanyambe3187

1y↑2

oh yes i remember watching this on ZNBC those days

@ninsiimanshabano1350

1y↑15

Song connects us to our West African ancestors. Much love from here 🇺🇬🇺🇬

@vuyokazimncube9192

35w↑2

2023 still listening ❤

@jeffreyAdewaleIge

35w

August 2023

@Dr-Love97

36w↑1

She always put our tradition and cultures ahead

@babramhlanga1607

36w

The true African queen,she is a legend

@mudikasona7158

4y↑6

Africa in all its splendor!! Nothing to envy from the rest of the world with such authenticity!

@humancreator1469

4y↑1

That's facts 💕

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