“Take Africa out of it, and there's no music for y'all.”
African rhythms and musical traditions are foundational to global popular music — remove that influence and much of contemporary music would not exist.
— Angélique Kidjo, Benin
Source: Angélique Kidjo, interview feature "Take Africa Out of It and There's No Music for Y'all," OkayAfrica
More Proverbs from Benin
Silence is an attribute of the dead; he who is alive speaks.
Living, engaged people communicate; withdrawing into silence is a kind of death.
Traditional Benin Wisdom
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Anyone who sees beauty and does not look at it will soon be poor.
Failing to notice and appreciate the good things in life leads to a poorer existence.
Traditional Benin Wisdom
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Work is the medicine for poverty.
Labor and effort are the true remedy for hardship and want.
Traditional Benin Wisdom
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The world is a journey; the afterworld is home.
Earthly life is temporary travel, while the true, lasting home lies beyond it.
Traditional Benin Wisdom
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A great affair covers up a small matter.
A major issue easily overshadows and hides a lesser one.
Traditional Benin Wisdom
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Anyone who plants a tree before they die has not lived in vain.
Leaving something lasting behind gives a life meaning and purpose.
Traditional Benin Wisdom
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