The Afropop world is always curious to know what Angelique Kidjo will drop next. Well, the wait is almost over. Kidjo’s 19th album, HOPE! (Parlophone/Warner Music), her first since the pandemic-era Mother Nature in 2021, is an epic collection of 16 tracks including collaborations with Nigerian Afrobeats stars Ayra Starr and Davido, also Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania, The Soweto Gospel Choir, plus American heavyweights Pharrell Williams, Charlie Wilson and Quavo, and plenty more.
Based on a quick early listen, this is an album of energy and uplift for dark times, and likely another huge success for the girl from Benin, and to many, today’s “Mama Africa.” Kidjo has a unique ability to tap into the musical zeitgeist of the moment, traversing nations, generations, genres and sensibilities, all without losing her unique essence.
Watch this space for more, hopefully including an in depth chat with Kidjo about this ambitious release.
Much more on Angeligue here.
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