- 2026-03-30
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MUSIC
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Angélique Kidjo Releases New Song “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)” featuring Ayra Starr
Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo will her upcoming 18th studio album “HOPE!!” on April 24, 2026 via Parlophone and Warner Music.
It is her first album in five years, following the 2021 GRAMMY-winning album “Mother Nature”.
From the album, she released a new song “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)” on March 27, 2026.
The song is the second single off of the album, following “Fall On Me” featuring PJ Morton, which was released on March 6, 2026.
On the track, she joined forces with Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr.
This marks the first collaboration between Angélique Kidjo and Ayra Starr.
The song is a commitment-in-love anthem that treats love as wealth and a sustaining force, reframing what it means to be “rich” in a world that often prioritizes status and money over genuine care.
It was written by Angelique Kidjo, Ayra Starr, Deeno, and Promise Ekpe. Produced by Louddaaa and Eli Wolf.
They recorded it at the Power Station Recording studio in New York. The accompanying music video was directed by Emmanuel Agbeble.- Angélique Kidjo said of the song, “I discovered Ayra Starr first through her music… Later, I sent her a DM saying I'd love to work with her.”
She added, “On Feb 22nd, on the day of the Blizzard Of The Century, I joined forces with Queen Ayra Starr at the Power Station Recording studio in New York. But not even a storm could have prevented us from singing and dancing together! Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?) was born!”
Ayra Starr said, “Angélique Kidjo winning in 2008 was so important for me to see... She's from Benin Republic, which is where I was born, so it made me believe I could do the same thing one day.” -
The new album comprises 16 tracks, featuring guest appearances from Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Ayra Starr, PJ Morton, Nile Rodgers, IZA, Dadju, The Cavemen, Soweto Gospel Choir, Charlie Wilson, Fally Ipupa, Sheila Maurice-Grey, and Florent Pagny.
The record is a groove-heavy and galvanizing body of work dedicated to her late mother.
Angélique Kidjo said of the album, “5 years in the making : my new album HOPE!! dedicated to my mother Yvonne. She is the one who taught me that every dream I had could be accomplished, that HOPE for a better future is what makes us human. She left us 5 years ago but her message resonates to this very day.”
She added, “I put my whole heart into this album and I'm so GRATEFUL to all the great artists who have contributed their genius to the album: Pharrell Williams, Ayra Starr, Nile Rodgers, Quavo, Shizzi, Davido, Florent Pagny, Dadju, Fally Ipupa, Charlie Wilson, IZA, PJ Morton, Philippe Saisse, Diamond Platnumz, The Cavemen, Soweto Gospel Choir, Sheila Maurice-Grey, Shungudzo Kuyimba and Diane Warren always by my side.”
“HOPE!!” Track List- “Bando” feat. Pharrell and Quavo
- “Aye Kan” feat. Ayra Starr
- “No Stopping Us”
- “Fall On Me” feat. PJ Morton
- “Oyaya” feat. Nile Rodgers and IZA
- “Superwoman” feat. Dadju
- “I'm On Fire” feat. The Cavemen
- “You Can”
- “Kakua” feat. Diamond Platnumz
- “Sunlight To My Soul” feat. Soweto Gospel Choir
- “For Me” feat. Charlie Wilson
- “Big Heart”
- “Jerusalema”
- “Joy” feat. Davido
- “Nadi Balance” feat. Fally Ipupa, The Cavemen, Sheila Maurice-Grey
- “Malaika” feat. Florent Pagny
- source : Apple Music
