Victorine Agbato’s her real name, Vivi the International, is a singer from Benin. Famous for her peace anthems, the icon of Beninese music left in the night of February 15 to 16, 2022.
Like Aïcha Koné in Côte d’Ivoire, Vivi the International has offered her voice for peace. Already known by the public with her title Fifa (peace), she has revealed herself through N’dokolidji (I am on my knees). A title that comes during the political mutation which should make Benin pass from the revolutionary Marxist period to that of the Democratic Renewal. At this particular time, she proved her contribution to peace. Indeed, the meetings of the National Conference of the Vital Forces of the Nation of February 1990 in Plm Alédjo, did not escape the inspiration of the singer. The singer with the sweet voice pleaded for peace while saying no to the war in her country. She asked for understanding and union between the Beninese, sang the cohesion and especially cried to God for help in the most crucial moments of the political life of Benin.
The apostle of peace has undoubtedly touched hearts in this decisive turning point in the political history of Benin. Beyond her status as a woman of peace, Vivi is also a political activist. The Beninese singer has been politically very active in revolutionary women’s organizations. In 2008, she was inducted into the Order of National Merit. 10 years later, she sang for the inmates of the civil prison of Savalou, as part of her fight for peace. Ebolo nimin, Mikpa Mawou, Oluwa Dakun, are also titles among many others.
From Vivi the Revelation to Vivi the International
With Vivi derived from Victorine, the singer at the beginning of her musical career, was nicknamed Vivi the revelation. At a very young age, she was invited to perform at a show in Lomé. Once on stage, she sang a hit that positively affected the audience present. This is not only by her voice but also her way of dancing while getting the message across. It was indeed a song about women. Through this song, Vivi the revelation of the past emphasized that marrying a super beautiful woman is a trap. She conveyed the message in four different languages: Fon, Mina, French and English. When she came out, the authorities present christened her Vivi the International. A name she kept until her death. It should be noted that this hit unfortunately did not see the light of day. Because according to Vivi the International, a mother should not convey these kinds of things, even if the message is true and real.
According to the latest news, the singer would be in her 75th year. According to those close to her, she was not unwell and was not in any discomfort on Tuesday, February 15. Like every day, Vivi the International carried out her usual activities. An apostle of peace during her lifetime, she passed away in peace, in sleep. His death comes just a few days before the anniversary of the Conference of the Vital Forces of the Nation. Grandma Vivi leaves after seeing one of her offspring following in her footsteps. Her successor is her daughter Emannuelle de Souza alias Mala Mala who also leads a musical career with an extraordinary talent.
