Angélique Kidjo Hope album arrives April 24, featuring Davido, Ayra Starr, Pharrell Williams and more in a deeply personal tribute to her late mother
Five time Grammy Award winning Beninese singer and songwriter Angélique Kidjo announced in Cotonou, Benin, on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, that a new studio project titled Hope will be released on April 24, marking a deeply personal chapter in the globally celebrated artist’s career.
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The forthcoming 14 track project, five years in the making, is dedicated to Kidjo’s late mother, Yvonne, whose influence the singer described as central to her outlook on life and creativity.
Speaking to fans through a social media post, Kidjo reflected on the emotional inspiration behind the album and the enduring lessons passed down by her mother.
“Five years in the making: my new album HOPE, dedicated to my mother Yvonne, is coming out on April 24. 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,” the singer wrote.
Although Yvonne died five years ago, Kidjo said the message of resilience and optimism she instilled continues to guide the artist’s work.
The singer described the album as a project into which she poured her whole heart, thanking the musicians who helped bring the vision to life.
The Angélique Kidjo Hope album also features an ambitious lineup of international collaborators from across Africa, Europe and the United States.
Nigerian artists Davido, Ayra Starr and The Cavemen appear alongside global music figures including Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Quavo and Charlie Wilson.
Additional contributors include French performers Florent Pagny and Dadju, Congolese star Fally Ipupa, Tanzanian singer Diamond Platnumz, Brazilian artist Iza, American musician PJ Morton and the renowned Soweto Gospel Choir.
Kidjo’s collaboration with Davido extends an emerging creative partnership between the two artists.
The pair previously worked together on the 2024 song Joy, while Kidjo also appeared on “Na Money” from Davido’s album Timeless.
The announcement has generated anticipation among fans and industry observers, with the Angélique Kidjo Hope album expected to blend personal storytelling with a wide range of global musical influences.
Across a career that spans more than four decades, Kidjo has built a formidable reputation as one of Africa’s most influential voices in world music.
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With Hope, the Beninese icon once again signals a bold artistic statement while honouring the memory that helped inspire it.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
