Branford Marsalis, a saxophonist who played two solos on Kidjo’s album, believes Kidjo had been “duped by her ‘Aye’ producers, Will Mowat, producer of ‘Soul II Soul’ and David Z” (Taylor 139). This criticism bothers Kidjo who says, “there is a kind of cultural racism going on where people think African musicians have to make a certain kind of music” (Taylor 140). This type of criticism of Kidjo, according to Taylor is partially correct. However, despite this criticism Taylor suggests that Kidjo’s “music is more complex than her detractors would have it” and describes how “more traditionally African approaches to rhythm and phrasing are evident” (Taylor 140). Even though her music has a very western style it is seemingly more ‘African’ than the untrained ear can
Branford Marsalis, a saxophonist who played two solos on Kidjo’s album, believes Kidjo had been “duped by her ‘Aye’ producers, Will Mowat, producer of ‘Soul II Soul’ and David Z” (Taylor 139). This criticism bothers Kidjo who says, “there is a kind of cultural racism going on where people think African musicians have to make a certain kind of music” (Taylor 140). This type of criticism of Kidjo, according to Taylor is partially correct. However, despite this criticism Taylor suggests that Kidjo’s “music is more complex than her detractors would have it” and describes how “more traditionally African approaches to rhythm and phrasing are evident” (Taylor 140). Even though her music has a very western style it is seemingly more ‘African’ than the untrained ear can