By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Legendary Beninese Singer Angelique Kidjo has expressed her views on the practice of musicians creating songs to praise or promote politicians and political parties.
The Grammy-winning global icon explained that she avoids making music for politicians, noting that political powers are temporary.
She emphasised that artists who align themselves with political figures risk losing relevance once a regime changes.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Female Poets Society podcast, Kidjo encouraged fellow musicians to be the voice of the people rather than the voice of those in power.
“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.
“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 shifted, you’re off the window,” she recalled.