The record, set to be out on 24 April, was recorded in Paris and Los Angeles over three years. It features collaborations with several African and international artists including Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, Tanzanian performer Diamond Platnumz, Congolese musician Fally Ipupa, French artist Dadju and Nigerian duo The Cavemen.
Brazilian singer IZA appears on the track ‘Oyaya’, which also features guitarist and producer Nile Rodgers. South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir contributes to several songs, including ‘Sunlight To My Soul’, written by American songwriter Diane Warren.
The Benin-born musician, who has built a decades-long international career, said the album reflects a desire to encourage optimism at a time of global uncertainty.
“I started singing when I was six years old, and I’m grateful every day that I still get to live my passion and do what I love with my life,” Kidjo said. “At the same time 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.”
Some of the album’s material emerged from a collaboration with Pharrell Williams following his invitation for Kidjo to perform at the Grace For The World concert held in Vatican City in September 2025. The two musicians later worked together in Williams’ studio in Paris, producing three songs for the project: ‘For Me’, ‘No Stopping Us’ and ‘Bando’. The latter features vocals from Williams and Quavo, while ‘For Me’ includes Charlie Wilson.
Kidjo has received several major accolades in recent years. She was included in Time 100 Most Influential People and was awarded the Polar Music Prize in 2023. In 2024 she performed the song ‘Jerusalema’ during the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The track, which also appears on HOPE!!, earned her a 16th nomination at the Grammy Awards.
The album is dedicated to Kidjo’s late mother, Yvonne. Its closing track is a symphonic rendition of the song Malaika arranged by Derrick Hodge and featuring French singer Florent Pagny.
“Sometimes it feels as though the world is losing hope at such a rapid pace that it’s endangering our humanity,” Kidjo said. “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.”
Beyond her music career, Kidjo is known for humanitarian work. She founded the Batonga Foundation, which supports the education of girls in Africa, and serves as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.
Kidjo is also scheduled to tour internationally in 2026, with performances planned in the United States, several European countries and Ireland.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.musicinafrica.net ’
