In a post shared by @angeliquekidjo on Instagram, the five-time Grammy winner announced that her upcoming studio album, Hope, is scheduled for release on April 24, 2026. The 14-track project is a deeply personal tribute to her late mother, Yvonne, who passed away five years ago, and is designed to reflect a message of human resilience.
The Beninese legend has assembled a powerhouse lineup of Nigerian talent, including Afrobeats megastar Davido, “Sabi Girl” Ayra Starr, and the highlife duo The Cavemen.
Kidjo noted that the album has been five years in the making, as she meticulously curated sounds that bridge the gap between traditional African rhythms and modern global pop.
Adding to the album’s international weight, the project also features contributions from Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, and Quavo. Kidjo expressed her profound gratitude to these artists for “contributing their genius” to a body of work that she considers her most heartfelt to date.
* The Nation (Nigeria): “The project features collaborations with Nigerian music stars Davido, Ayra Starr, and The Cavemen… alongside international artists including Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers.”
* The Cable Lifestyle: “Angélique Kidjo… has unveiled details of her highly anticipated upcoming album ‘Hope’… featuring Davido, Ayra Starr, The Cavemen.”
Echotitbits take:
This collaboration is a massive win for the Nigerian “Big 3” ecosystem and the rising stars alike. By featuring on a Kidjo project, Davido and Ayra Starr aren’t just making music; they are cementing their legacy within the “World Music” elite. Expect this album to be a major contender during the 2027 awards season, particularly in the Global Music categories.
Source: TheJournalNigeria — https://thejournalnigeria.com/kidjo-recruits-global-heavyweights-features-davido-ayra-starr-for-hope/ March 5, 2026
Photo Credit: TheJournalNigeria
