The “African Queen Of POP”, Angelique Kidjo, of Benin, released her 16th album on the 24th April 2026, solidifying further her reign on the throne. The album features 16 singles that inspire joy, healing, and togetherness. Kidjo, named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, has collaborated with a blend of new and legendary artists, bringing an unrivaled depth and balance to the album.
Pharrell has produced three songs on the album, where he is also featured in. Just last month, the current Louis Vuitton Creative Director, styled her in a custom LV for the GRAMMY Awards red carpet. In September 2025, Williams invited Kidjo to his Grace for the World concert in St Peter Square of Vatican City. Other producers who worked on HOPE!! include Nigeria’s hitmaker Shizzi, French jazz musician/composer Philippe Saisse, fast-rising Nigerian producer Louddaaa. Quavo, Fally Ipupa, Ayra Starr, Davido, Nile Rodgers, Charlie Wilson, IZA, and PJ Morton appear on the album as guest artists.
“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.”
The album was recorded in Paris and Los Angeles over the past three years, during which, her team crafted electrifying musical voices and tunes. She represented mama Africa intentionally by collaborating with artists from all parts of Africa. West Africa is represented by Lagos-based neo-High Life duo The Cavemen (“I’m On Fire”), Central Africa’s Congolese legend Fally Ipupa is featured on “Nadi Balance,” Tanzanian musician Diamond Platnumz (“Kakua”) represents East Africa and more, creating a vibrant bridge across Africa. Soweto Gospel Choir, a world-renowned South African group, have contributed to several songs on HOPE. The Franco-Congolese artist Dadju (“Superwoman”), completes the French-African connection adding the much-needed spice. IZA is a Latin Grammy-nominated cultural icon, blending R&B and soul
“With all the music that I create, I want to show that anything and everything is possible—and that despite what the political rhetoric might have us believe, we are all deeply connected. My hope is that these songs bring happiness to everyone but also remind them that we were all put here to help and love each other.”
Angelique, who runs her own charitable foundation, Batonga (an organization dedicated to fostering the education of adolescent girls on the African continent), has passionately devoted herself to humanitarian work all throughout her career. Her efforts earned her a UNICEF goodwill ambassador,100 Most Inspiring Women in the World (The Guardian) and the Most Influential Woman in Africa (Forbes).
TRACK LIST
- Bando feat. Pharrell and Quavo
- Aye Kan feat. Ayra Starr
- No Stopping Us
- Fall On Me feat. PJ Morton
- Oyaya feat. Nile Rodgers and IZA
- Superwoman feat. Dadju
- I’m On Fire feat. The Cavemen
- You Can
- Kakua feat. Diamond Platnumz
- Sunlight To My Soul feat. Soweto Gospel Choir
- For Me feat. Charlie Wilson
- Big Heart
- Jerusalema
- Joy feat. Davido
- Nadi Balance feat. Fally Ipupa, The Cavemen, Sheila Maurice-Grey
- Malaika feat. Florent Pagny
