“Kidjo’s voice is constant, an instrument of such power and clarity that it sounds equally capable of polishing glass or announcing Judgment Day.” —The New Yorker
Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo is one of today’s greatest artists in international music, “Africa’s premier diva” was named one of 2021’s 100 Most Influential People by TIME magazine for her striking voice, stage presence and fluency in multiple cultures and languages.
Kidjo has been included in the BBC’s 50 Most Iconic Figures, and The Guardian named her one of the Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World in 2011. Ranked first on the Forbes list of Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa, she has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as European and Latin American influences.
As an ambassador for UNICEF and Oxfam, Kidjo travels the world advocating on behalf of children. In 2019, President Macron of France named her spokesperson for the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa initiative, which helps close the financing gap for women entrepreneurs in Africa. Her own charitable foundation, Batonga, is dedicated to supporting the education of young African girls.
"Imagine an artist with Jaco Pastorious’ virtuosity, George Benson’s vocal fluidity, João Gilberto’s sense of song and harmony, all mixed up with African culture. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you Richard Bona!" —The Los Angeles Times
Grammy winner Richard Bona is one of the world’s most accomplished bass players, composers and multi-instrumentalists. He has toured, composed and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Steps Ahead, Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesária Évora, Sting, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oumou Sangaré and many more.
The Cameroon-born musician’s unique sound and vocal gift represent his African origins, addressing the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty and issues. His purpose and method of connecting with his audience have made him a staple of world, jazz and Afropop music.
Bona has taught jazz improvisation at NYU and mentors young talent throughout the world. He’s also a TED speaker and ambassador for various nonprofit projects.