Angélique Kidjo Drops 19th Album Hope, Featuring Davido, Ayra Starr, Pharrell and More

Five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Angélique Kidjo has released her 19th studio album titled Hope, a 16-track project featuring an extensive lineup of international and African music stars.

The album brings together high-profile collaborations with artists including Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Quavo, as well as Nigerian singers Davido and Ayra Starr.

Kidjo revealed that the project took five years to complete and is dedicated to her late mother, Yvonne, whom she credits as a major influence in her life and career. She described her mother as someone who instilled the belief that dreams are achievable and that hope is central to human existence.

According to the singer, the album is a deeply personal work shaped by reflection, gratitude, and a desire to honour her mother’s legacy.

Musically, Hope blends Afrobeats with elements of R&B, funk, and global pop, a style Kidjo is widely known for as she continues to bridge African sounds with international influences.

Ahead of the album’s full release, she unveiled the track Joy featuring Davido in 2024, which received positive reception across global audiences.

Other standout tracks on the album include Bando with Pharrell Williams and Quavo, Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?) with Ayra Starr, No Stopping Us featuring Pharrell Williams, and Fall on Me with PJ Morton.

Additional collaborations feature IZA, Nile Rodgers, Dadju, The Cavemen, Diamond Platnumz, Soweto Gospel Choir, Charlie Wilson, Florent Pagny, and Fally Ipupa, further highlighting the project’s international reach.

A notable solo moment on the album is Kidjo’s interpretation of Jerusalema, originally by Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode, which adds a reflective and spiritual dimension to the project.

Describing the album’s message, Kidjo said it centres on positivity, unity, and resilience. She emphasised that the project is intended to celebrate life and shared human experience, while also serving as a tribute to her late mother’s enduring influence.