Angelique Kidjo to mark 40 years in music with London concert on Nov 17

Angelique Kidjo, the Beninese singer-songwriter, is set to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London on November 17.

The five-time Grammy-winning singer will perform at the prestigious hall alongside her band and the Chineke! Orchestra to celebrate her 40th anniversary in the music industry.

According to a statement on Thursday, the concert will mark the first performance of Kidjo’s year-long world tour in Australia, Asia, Europe, and South America, before concluding at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2024.

“As part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, the concert will celebrate the career-spanning catalogue of one of Africa’s best-known artistes,” the statement reads in part.

“Kidjo, who is the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Polar Music Prize, has become renowned for merging the West African traditions of her childhood with American R&B, funk and jazz, alongside influences from Europe and Latin America.”

Speaking on her anniversary concert, Kidjo said “celebrating my 40-year career at the Royal Albert Hall is a dream come true”.

“It is one of my favourite venues in the world. I intend to bring the spirit, beauty and warmth of the African continent to its walls in November,” she said.

Matt Todd, director of programming at the Royal Albert Hall, said “it is a real privilege for us to be hosting the debut concert of Angélique’s upcoming world tour here”.

“She has achieved so much throughout her career, so to be able to celebrate the 40th anniversary in this historic building is a truly special occasion,” Todd said.

“The fact that she will be performing some of her best-loved songs alongside the Chineke! Orchestra will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable night, and we cannot wait to see what she has in store for us.”