Angélique Kidjo, named one of TIME Magazine’s most influential people, is kicking off a new chapter in her impressive career with “Sunlight To My Soul,” out today through Parlophone. This five-time Grammy winner and 2023 Polar Music Prize recipient has teamed up with legendary songwriter Diane Warren, known for hits like “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” and rising Nigerian afrobeats producer Shizzi, who worked on Ed Sheeran and Fireboy DML’s “Peru.” The track combines African rhythms with the inspiring voices of the Soweto Gospel Choir.
This marks the first collaboration between Kidjo and Warren, a 15-time Oscar nominee and Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner. “Sunlight To My Soul” radiates courage and optimism through Warren’s lyrics, while Kidjo’s powerful voice creates a dramatic and uplifting experience. The single is accompanied by a video featuring feel-good dances and heartwarming scenes that match the song’s joyful energy.
Known for her dynamic voice and captivating stage presence, Kidjo has a unique ability to blend the West African traditions of her Benin upbringing with American R&B, funk, jazz, and influences from Europe and Latin America. Her 2021 album “Mother Nature” includes collaborations with modern West African music stars like Burna Boy and Yemi Alade. She’s also worked with artists like Jimmy Buffett, Philip Glass, and Yo-Yo Ma, and recently debuted her African Symphony project with arranger Derrick Hodge at the Kennedy Center.
Kidjo’s celebrated career includes Grammy-winning albums like “Mother Nature” (2021), “Celia” (2019), “Sings with the Orchestre Philharmonique Du Luxembourg” (2015), “EVE” (2014), and “DJIN DJIN” (2007). Her discography spans 11 other albums, including her acclaimed 2018 take on The Talking Heads’ “Remain in Light,” and her memoir “Spirit Rising: My Life, My Music.” No matter the collaboration, Kidjo consistently blends deep musical traditions with innovative creativity.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
* with the Philadelphia Orchestra
^ with Meshell Ndegeocello
7/14 – Carhaix-Plouguer, France @ Les Vieilles Charrues 2024
7/20 – Stuttgart, Germany @ jazzopen 2024 with Lizz Wright
7/24 – Val de Bagnes, Switzerland @ Salle des Combins
7/25 – Marciac, France @ Jazz in Marciac
7/30 – Trondheim, Norway @ Borggården i Trondheim
8/2 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center *
8/7 – Denver, CO @ Denver Botanic Gardens ^
8/8 – Highland Park, IL @ Ravinia Festival ^
8/10 – San Jose, CA @ San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
8/11 – Telluride, CO @ Telluride Jazz Festival
8/25 – Vienna, Austria @ Afrika Tage
8/29 – Helsinki, Finland @ Helsinki Festival
9/4 – Duisburg, Germany @ Landschaftspark Nord – Gießhalle
9/15 – Brétigny-sur-Orge, France @ Le Fete de l’Humanite
9/20 – 9/22 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil @ Rock In Rio
10/6 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg District @ Rockhal
10/12 – Voiron, France @ Le Grand Angle
10/13 – Marseille, France @ Fiesta des Suds / Esplanade du J4
10/20 – Katowice, Poland @ NOSPR
10/22 – Troyes, France @ Les Nuits de Champagne
10/24 – The Hague, Netherlands @ Paard Van Troje (PAARD)
11/2 – New York, NY @ Carnegie Hall
11/13 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
3/19/2025 – Montreal, QC, Canada @ Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal
3/20/2025 – Montreal, QC, Canada @ Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal
