March 28, (THEWILL) – Five-time Grammy-winning singer, Angelique Kidjo, has been announced as one of three recipients of the 2023 Polar Music Prize, which will take place on May 23, in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Beninese singer was named a recipient of the award, which is highly regarded as the Nobel Prize of music.
The award ceremony will take place in the presence of the Swedish royal family.
This year’s laureates also include Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, and Arvo Pärt, the classical composer.
Each laureate will receive prize money of 600,000 Swedish Kroner, approximately £47,681 or US $57,384.
Speaking on being awarded the Polar Music Prize, Kidjo said, “My passion for music has always been unwavering.
“Being on stage for me is like being in paradise. It’s my sanctuary. It’s my place to link and connect with my fellow human beings. That is something that I’m grateful for every day. To be awarded the Polar Music Prize is humbling.”
With this achievement, she joins the rank of two previous recipients of the award from Africa; South Africa’s Miriam Makeba, who won the prize in 2002 and Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour, in 2013.
