Soweto Gospel Choir<\/a> contributes to several songs, including \u2018Sunlight To My Soul\u2019, written by American songwriter Diane Warren.<\/p>\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started singing when I was six years old, and I\u2019m grateful every day that I still get to live my passion and do what I love with my life,\u201d Kidjo said. \u201cAt the same time I know that many people struggle to find joy, especially when there\u2019s so much to worry about in our world today. With this album I wanted to put some fire back in people\u2019s hearts, and show how much we need that joy and hope to keep our humanity going.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some of the album\u2019s 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\u2019 studio in Paris, producing three songs for the project: \u2018For Me\u2019, \u2018No Stopping Us\u2019 and \u2018Bando\u2019. The latter features vocals from Williams and Quavo, while \u2018For Me\u2019 includes Charlie Wilson.<\/p>\n
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 \u2018Jerusalema\u2019 during the reopening ceremony of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The track, which also appears on HOPE!!<\/em>, earned her a 16th nomination at the Grammy Awards.<\/p>\nThe album is dedicated to Kidjo\u2019s late mother, Yvonne. Its closing track is a symphonic rendition of the song Malaika arranged by Derrick Hodge and featuring French singer Florent Pagny.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes it feels as though the world is losing hope at such a rapid pace that it\u2019s endangering our humanity,\u201d Kidjo said. \u201cWith 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Kidjo is also scheduled to tour internationally in 2026, with performances planned in the United States, several European countries and Ireland.<\/p>\n