Angélique Kidjo begins curation residency in New York

Kidjo will programme the Perspectives Series concerts for three groups of African musicians and will also feature as a performer. The series will observe the effect of African music on the international music scene,

“I am so grateful that Carnegie Hall has given me the opportunity to curate this Perspectives Series," Kidjo said. "We will travel from the modern sounds of Beninese pop music with Benin International Musical to the amazing contemporary jazz innovation of Lionel Loueke's trio; from Terence Blanchard's magnificent tribute to the music of the diaspora to a musical celebration of Africa's independence that coincides with my birthday.

The Perspectives Series kicks off on 19 October with a performance by Benin International Musical at the Zankel Hall. The relatively new group fuses hip hop, rock and electronic music with traditional voodoo rhythms.

The second concert will feature Diaspora Songs, which will be held at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage on 6 December. Diaspora Songs is a programme designed to shine a spotlight on the influence African music has on various genres. The project, which was put together by Kidjo and musical director Blanchard, explores the impact of African music on the global musical landscape.

The third concert will feature Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke at the Zankel Hall on 13 December. Loueke will be joined by Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista and the pair will reinvent some of Kidjo’s music. The final concert will be Kidjo’s performance at the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage on 14 March. She will be joined by a stellar line-up of artists who will be announced at a later stage.

“Through these concerts, I want to convey the message that African music, with its inspiring and unifying power, will keep on reminding us of a truth we should all embrace: we are all Africans," Kidjo said.

Meanwhile, Kidjo, who is a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, will be performing at the Chapiteau de la Pépinière in Nancy, France, alongside Syrian musician Omar Souleyman on 11 October.