Angélique Kidjo discusses the struggle of being hangry and Africa's overwhelming abundance of talent

Angélique Kidjo, a music icon celebrating 40 years in the industry, will be performing a concert at London's Royal Albert Hall. In an interview, Kidjo revealed that her curiosity has always driven her since childhood. She strives to understand things and her place in the world, and boredom is something she despises. Kidjo will be joined on stage by other renowned artists such as Youssou N'Dour, Ibrahim Malouf, Stonebwoy, and Laura Mvula. She has also chosen to be accompanied by Chineke! Orchestra, Europe's first majority black and diverse ethnic orchestra. Kidjo is passionate about correcting negative perceptions of Africa and challenging Eurocentricism. She believes in the power of diversity and aims to demonstrate that anything is achievable. Kidjo's collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma on a performance of JS Bach's Sarabande in Paris in December is her latest project. She actively uses her platform to advocate for the betterment of humanity as a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador, as well as through her own charity, Batonga, which supports girls' education in Africa. Kidjo recalls her concert in 2012 organized by the UN to raise awareness on banning female genital mutilation. She appealed to African leaders, using her own father as an example of someone who fought for the rights and respect of his children. Kidjo credits her father for his belief in the value of education and his commitment to supporting the education of not only his children but also those of his friends and neighbors. She grew up in a home that encouraged free speech and openness. However, her idyllic childhood was disrupted by a communist coup in 1972, which made her more aware of the fragility of freedom. Learning about the transatlantic slave trade and apartheid in South Africa also served as wake-up calls for her. Kidjo wrote a song at 15 as a response to these experiences, but her father guided her towards peace and rewriting the lyrics as an anthem of peace. The song became Azan Nan Kpe and was released on her album Aye in 1994. Kidjo's commitment to climate change and protecting the planet for future generations began with this song. Despite her many achievements in the music industry, Kidjo considers her biggest achievement to be raising her daughter while maintaining a successful career. She rejected the idea of leaving her daughter behind and instead exposed her to different cultures and countries. Kidjo is pleased with the potential of technology in unleashing the talent and potential of young African musicians. She believes that they have the power to bring about positive change for the continent. While she does offer guidance and advice to these young artists, Kidjo emphasizes the importance of responsibility and the greater good.