Angélique Kidjo

World Music Institute is proud to parter with SummerStage in Central Park in their 40th Anniversary Season to present Five-time Grammy Award and Polar Music Prize recipient Angélique Kidjo. Kidjo is a celebrated singer, songwriter, actress, and activist from Benin, who continues to share joy through her artistry. Throughout her impressive four-decade career, Kidjo has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Peter Gabriel, David Byrne, Youssou NDOUR, Alicia Keys, Philip Glass, and Yo-Yo Ma. Her latest album, HOPE!!, embodies this collaborative spirit, featuring talents such as Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, IZA, and PJ Morton (Maroon 5), while highlighting her powerful voice and significant cultural influence.a

Dedicated to her late mother, HOPE!! emerged from a time of grief, with a message of hope as a central theme. The album features uplifting tracks like “Bando,” which emphasizes overcoming life’s circumstances, and “Sunlight To My Soul,” expressing gratitude and love. Songs like “You Can” and “Big Heart” convey messages of resilience and kindness in challenging times.