Afropop Worldwide

“Every album is a new beginning. Every show is a new show because every day is not the same. We accept that yesterday is different from today and that’s how I live my life.” Angelique Kidjo

Queen Kidjo will hold court during season 15 of the award-winning documentary series AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange.

French director Claire Duguet’s film about the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo — available at midnight on Monday, April 3, on WORLDChannel.org, WORLD Channel’s YouTube channel and Black Public Media's YouTube channel, the PBS App and other streaming platforms — will premiere as episode two of the series on WORLD Channel on Monday, April 10, at 8 p.m. ET. Coproduced by Black Public Media (BPM) and WORLD Channel, AfroPoP is distributed and co-presented by American Public Television (APT). An accompanying AfroPoP Artist Chat with Kidjo, called one of the 100 most influential women in the world by Forbes Afrique and the BBC, and among the TIME 100 most influential people of 2021, will stream on Black Public Media’s Instagram account (@blackpublicmedia) and YouTube channel as an accompaniment to the film.

In Queen Kidjo, the five-time Grammy® winner reflects on her birth in Benin and successful musical career there, her inspiration from singers James Brown, Miriam Makeba and Bella Bellow, and her launch into superstardom where she brought African music to the world. The dynamic film depicts the boundless energy of Kidjo and her impact on the music landscape and the world through her artistry and activism around issues of equality and women’s rights. Whether cutting a rug with President Barack Obama or performing a tribute to Harry Belafonte at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, Kidjo’s musical gifts and vitality — which have influenced many generations — are on display. The film includes appearances by Yemi Alade, Chris Blackwell, David Byrne, David Donatien,Peter Gabriel, Alicia Keys, Yo-Yo Ma, Ibrahim Maalouf, Ziggy Marley, Youssou N’Dour, and more sharing memories and reflections about the African songstress.

Queen Kidjo, Claire Duguet’s enlightening exploration of the career and global impact of international superstar and activist Angélique Kidjo. The film follows Kidjo as she reflects on her journey from her roots in Benin to her musical reign as African music legend (April 10). For more details go to WORLD Channel.