Angelique Kidjo dedicates Grammy to women of Africa

Los Angeles (AFP) - Angelique Kidjo, one of the biggest African musicians on the world stage, on Sunday won her second Grammy for World Music album for "Eve," a tribute to the continent's women.

"This album is dedicated to the women of Africa -- to their beauty and resilience," the Beninese singer said. "Women of Africa -- you rock!"

"For me, music is a weapon of peace, and today more than ever, as artists we have a role to play in the stability of this world," Kidjo said as she accepted the award at a ceremony in Los Angeles.

Kidjo, who is based primarily in New York, returned to Benin for "Eve" and traveled with a recorder, taping the cadences and harmonies of women's choirs.

She also journeyed elsewhere in Africa. In total she recorded more than 100 women, among them her own mother.

But the album also featured a diverse array of musical collaborators including the Kronos string quartet, the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra and keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij of the indie rock band Vampire Weekend.

Kidjo previously won a Grammy for her 2007 album "Djin Djin," which also tapped a range of guest artists including guitar legend Carlos Santana and singer Alicia Keys.

The 54-year-old singer is known for her activism. She has pressed for action on climate change and for a more sustained effort to improve public health in West Africa in the wake of the Ebola crisis.

Kidjo won out in a category that included the sitarist Anoushka Shankar and the Brazilian bossa nova legend Sergio Mendes.

ANGELIQUE-KIDJO