This year's Polar Prize goes to world artist and songwriter Angélique Kidjo. She comes from Benin and grew up with two culturally interested parents. In the 80s, during the communist dictatorship in the country, she was forced to flee to France in order to pursue her artistic dreams.

"Music is like breathing, if I stop breathing, I die," says Angélique Kidjo.

"Creepy"

In 1994, she broke through with the song "Agolo". During her career, Angélique Kidjo has released 16 albums, most recently in 2021 with "Mother nature" and she has also won five Grammys. The BBC has named her one of the world's 100 most inspiring women. Now Kidjo can also add the Polar Prize to his credit.

"It feels overwhelming, exciting and scary. For me it's a big prize, what am I going to do next?," she says with a laugh.

In addition to his musical work, Angélique Kidjo has long worked as a UNICEF ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation, which works to educate girls.

"Double-edged sword"

When asked what she wants people to take with them or learn when they read about her career and accomplishments, she replies:

"Being an African woman in this industry is a double-edged sword. People always expect people who are from Africa to be worth less. So whoever you are, if someone says "you can't do this", turn your gaze inward and figure out what you can do. Find it and you will understand that this is where your happiness comes from.

Arvo Pärt receives award

The classical prize this year goes to the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. He is one of the most popular composers of our time and is at the top of the lists of those who play the most.

The compositions are sonorous but minimalist and the atmospheric music is often used on film. "Spiegel im Spiegel", "Für Alina" and "Johannespassionen" are among some of his most famous works.

Record label founder Chris Blackwell is also awarded the 2023 Polar Prize.

The Polar Music Prize will be awarded on 23 May at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm

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Hear parts of Arvo Pärt's music.

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Hear parts of Chris Blackwell's music.

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Hear parts of Arvo Pärt's music.