Angélique Kidjo to play National Geographic Earth Day Eve concert

First held in 1970, Earth Day is held annually to support environmental protection. This year, the celebration, which is coordinated globally by earthday.org, is running under the theme, Restore Our Earth. It includes a wide range of events in about 190 countries.

The concert comes on the heels of the release of Kidjo’s new interview book I Chemine With Angélique Kidjo earlier this month. It also follows the release of her single ‘Dignity’ featuring Nigeria’s Yemi Alade. “I’m thrilled to join the National Geographic Earth Day Eve celebration,” Kidjo said.

The programme will be hosted by Ugandan-American travel blogger and brand influencer Jessica Nabongo and will be streamed live on National Geographic’s YouTube channel on Thursday at 2.30am CAT. It will see the four-time Grammy winner perform alongside the likes of reggae singer Ziggy Marley, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and folk singer-songwriter José González, among others.

National Geographic said: “Every year, millions of people across the globe recognise Earth Day by coming together to promote awareness and appreciation for the world. This year, National Geographic is starting the party early by inviting you to join in an epic countdown to Earth Day 2021 featuring memorable music acts, special appearances and inspiring stories that celebrate our shared love for the planet.”

The organisers added that the Earth Day Eve 2021 celebration would “span the globe with visually stunning performances from some of the most beautiful places in the world.”

“Through the combined power of music and storytelling, you’ll leave uplifted, energised and with a renewed commitment to living more lightly on the planet,” they said.

More information is available on the National Geographic website.