Grammy award-winner Angelique Kidjo, who is in the city to perform for a series of concerts, on growing up with eight siblings, why she considers herself blessed and Bollywood being a big influence on her music

Your music has a lot of varied influences in it, how would you best describe your style?
I think my biggest influence has been traditional music from my country Benin (in West Africa). By the age of six, I could sing all the folk songs. The first time I went on stage, I sang the traditional song Atcha Houn, which also features on OYO. I discovered music from America and England as a teenager. Being exposed to the creativity of the 60s and the funkiness of the 70s at an early age was a blessing.

Who are the musicians that you grew up listening to?
I think Miriam Makeba is my biggest influence. Her success proved to me that you could be an African woman and be successful, respected, and an ambassador for your
continent.