Angélique Kidjo: 'HOPE!!'

Angelique Kidjo is absolutely claiming her crown as one of Africa’s most influential artists with the release of 'HOPE!!'

Start with No Stopping Us because the message is clear and the music is equally unstoppable. The lead single Fall on Me feat. PJ Morton is a more gentle, orchestral arrangement but no less powerful.

As well as the fabulous duet with Morton, there are collaborations with Pharrell Williams (producer of three of the tracks), Nile Rodgers, PJ Morton, Quavo, Ayra Starr, Davido, The Cavemen, Charlie Wilson and the Soweto Gospel Choir. A Grammy winner herself (currently five wins and 16 nominations) any one of these collaborators could be in line for a feature in next year’s awards.

Rodgers’ guitar on Oyaya alongside vocals from IZA is instantly recognisable, as is the voice of Charlie Wilson alongside Kidjo on For Me. This album is dedicated to Kidjo’s mother and there seems to be a deliberate intention to honour both her own start in Benin and her relationships with so many great musicians.

Kidjo says: “I started singing when I was six years old, and I’m grateful every day that I still get to live my passion and do what I love with my life. At the same time I know that many people struggle to find joy, especially when there’s so much to worry about in our world today. With this album I wanted to put some fire back in people’s hearts, and show how much we need that joy and hope to keep our humanity going.”

There’s a big orchestral feel to Malaik, which Kidjo opens almost as an aria before she’s joined by Florent Pagny in what is a perfect end to this stunning album.

‘HOPE!!’ is out via Warner Music France on 24 April