Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has revealed that her next studio album, Hope, will arrive on April 24 after several years of work behind the scenes.
The five-time Grammy Award winner announced the project through her social media pages on Wednesday, explaining that the 14-track album has been in development for about five years.
According to the legendary singer, the album is particularly meaningful to her because it honours the memory of her late mother, Yvonne, who died five years ago.
“5 years in the making ???? : my new album HOPE!! dedicated to my mother Yvonne is coming out on April 24th. She is the one who taught me that every dream I had could be accomplished, that HOPE for a better future is what makes us human. She left us 5 years ago, but her message resonates to this very day,” she wrote.
Kidjo also revealed that the album will include collaborations with several well-known musicians from different parts of the world. Among the featured artistes are Nigerian stars Davido, Ayra Starr, and the highlife duo The Cavemen.
She expressed appreciation to the artists who contributed to the project, saying their creative input helped shape the final work.
“I put my whole heart into this album, and I’m so GRATEFUL to all the great artistes who have contributed their genius to the album.”
The album also features contributions from international acts, including Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Quavo, Charlie Wilson, Florent Pagny, Dadju, Fally Ipupa, Diamond Platnumz, Iza, and PJ Morton. The renowned Soweto Gospel Choir also appears on the project.
Kidjo’s collaboration with Davido continues a musical partnership between the two artists. They previously worked together on the song Joy, while Kidjo later featured on Na Money from Davido’s album Timeless.
With its diverse lineup and emotional inspiration, Hope is expected to reflect Kidjo’s global musical influence and long-standing impact on the African music scene.
