Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo returns to SummerStage with her multilingual fusion of Afrobeat, pop, jazz, reggae, and various African traditions and percussive rhythms that earned her international acclaim. After arriving in Paris in the early ‘90s, Kidjo recorded a run of critically acclaimed albums on Island Records—beginning with the chart-topping 1991 album Logozo—and followed it up with an ambitious trilogy exploring African music’s influence in the Americas, from gospel to Brazilian and Latin. Over her multi-decade career she’s collaborated with the likes of Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet to Peter Gabriel, Alicia Keys, Dr. John, and Branford Marsalis. Her latest album, Hope!! is dedicated to her late mother, and features contributions from Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Ayra Starr, Quavo, and The Gap Band’s Charlie Wilson. DJ Freshy K, a Nigerian Afrobeats specialist based in NYC who has opened for the likes of Jidenna, Flavour, Olamide, Davido, and Wizkid, opens the show with a DJ set.

Pre Show Panel: Free with RSVP

Voices of Power: African Women Transforming Media, Diplomacy & the Diaspora

Voices of Power is a dynamic panel discussion celebrating the leadership of African women across music, film, television, and digital media. As cultural architects, these women are redefining global narratives and serving as vital agents of cultural diplomacy.

Moderator
Radio personality
Shani Kultue (Hot 97)

Host
Aisha Diori (Afrobeats Kween)
Creative Entrepreneur
Emcee/Founder (Africa Everything)

Panelists
Naomi Achu
Musician,Actress,Filmmaker,Humanitarian

Unathi Nkayi
South African Radio Personality (938FM)
Artist

Dr Amanda Ota
Professor
Ceo of spring services
Partner @ LOUD in AFRICA

Habiba Sinare
Filmmaker, Actress, public health practitioner

Dr. Djibril Diallo, PhD (University of London)
A Former Spokesperson for the President of the United Nations General Assembly, currently 
African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN), New YorkPresident & CEO 

Chinwe Esimai
President & CEO, Scepter3 Global Advisors Most Powerful Women in Banking |Harvard Law School Alum: JD |Author

Dr. Bernice Onome Dema
Community leader and cultural ambassador
Aspirant Delta Central Senatorial District candidate
Optometrist