Angélique Kidjo Leads Apple Music’s Africa Day Celebration With Exclusive Radio Special

Apple Music is continuing its Africa Month celebrations with a special Africa Day radio takeover hosted by global music icon Angélique Kidjo. Recorded at Apple Music Studios in Los Angeles on 25 May, the exclusive special forms part of the platform’s ongoing “The Sounds of Africa” campaign, spotlighting the artists, cultures, and cities driving African music’s global rise.

The five-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and activist uses the takeover to guide listeners through the inspirations behind her latest album HOPE!!, while reflecting on the importance of identity, legacy, motherhood and cultural pride. Throughout the special, Kidjo also celebrates the new generation of African artists pushing the continent’s sound into new territories worldwide.

Featuring music and conversations surrounding artists such as Davido, Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, and The Cavemen., the special highlights the growing influence of African music across international audiences. Kidjo speaks openly about the excitement of watching younger artists elevate the culture while remaining authentic to themselves.

Discussing Davido’s impact on the global stage, Kidjo shares: “When we come unapologetically, we are going to sweep the whole place up. That’s what I’m seeing, and I like to see that they are taking the baton from me and taking it to another level.”

The special also includes praise for Ayra Starr, whose breakout success continues to represent the strength of Africa’s emerging generation. Kidjo describes the Nigerian star as “mature beyond her years,” applauding her confidence and clarity as an artist.

Another standout moment arrives through a deeply personal conversation between Kidjo and legendary producer Nile Rodgers. Revisiting decades of friendship and collaboration, the pair reflect on their creative journey together, including their work on “Oyaya,” one of the defining tracks from HOPE!!.

At the heart of the radio takeover is Kidjo’s latest project, an album inspired by resilience, healing and optimism. Dedicated to her late mother, HOPE!! balances deeply personal storytelling with messages that resonate universally.

“Hope is at the centre of everything,” Kidjo explains during the episode. “Our spirit of joy is a resistance in itself.”

The Africa Day special arrives as Apple Music expands its “The Sounds of Africa” initiative for 2026, shining a spotlight on the next wave of influential African music cities including Cape Town, Harare, Luanda, Abidjan, Durban, Kinshasa, Dakar, Kampala, Cairo and Casablanca. These join previously highlighted music capitals such as Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.

Through the special, Apple Music continues to position African music and storytelling at the forefront of global culture, while celebrating the voices shaping the continent’s creative future.

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