''Fifa'' is an album by the Beninese musician Angélique Kidjo, released in 1996. It was the first album on which Kidjo sang in English in addition to Fon and French. ''Fifa'' was considered to be an attempt at a crossover album. The first single was "Wombo Lombo". The album peaked at No. 10 on ''Billboards

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chart. Kidjo supported the album with a world tour.

Production

The album was produced by Kidjo's husband, Jean Hebrail; much of it was recorded in the couple's Paris home studio. Hundreds of musicians played on the album, including

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and villagers and farmers encountered by Kidjo while she traveled throughout Benin. Kidjo wrote the songs by focusing on the rhythm first. "Naïma" is named for Kidjo's daughter. "Bitchifi" was influenced by reggae music. Other songs use elements of zouk and township jive.

Critical reception

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'' wrote that "bluesy electric guitar is played to contrast lighter African styles while the drums incorporate both traditional and popular western rhythms." The ''

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'' determined that "the songs seamlessly fuse traditional African rhythms with contemporary gospel singing, Afro-pop melodies and a dash of rap." ''

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'' called ''Fifa'' "true fusion, music that may owe a debt to other styles but which functions on its own terms." ''

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'' stated: "Instead of mixing Western and African influences together in a blend that is neither one nor the other, Kidjo uses the influences as distinct building blocks to create a sonic structure that is remarkably coherent." ''

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'' deemed the album "sassy, polished, global pop." ''

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'' concluded that, "with funk, hip-hop, gospel and pop rubbing up against African rhythms, chants and melodies, it is her slickest crossover album yet."

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noted that "Kidjo's instincts for pairing African rhythms and Western structures are inspired." The ''

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'' listed the album as the sixth best of 1996. ''

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Production

Critical reception

Track listing

Charts

References