A Conversation with Angélique Kidjo on Art, Advocacy, and Impact

Angélique Kidjo is a five-time Grammy Award–winning Beninese singer, songwriter, and activist celebrated for her powerful voice and vibrant fusion of African rhythms with global sounds. Born in Ouidah, Benin, she rose from performing in her mother’s theatre troupe to becoming one of the world’s most influential artists. Beyond music, she is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the Batonga Foundation, empowering girls across Africa through education and economic opportunity. Honored with the 2023 Polar Music Prize and TIME 100 recognition, Kidjo continues to use her art to inspire unity, justice, and social change.Transcending Boundaries is a podcast hosted by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, which features intimate conversations with exceptional leaders. Each episode explores value-based leadership by diving deep into the lives of extraordinary people who have changed their communities, their countries, and the world for the better.Learn more here: ⁠https://mastercardfdn.org/en/transcending-boundaries-podcast------------------------------------------------------------------The Mastercard Foundation is a registered Canadian charity and one of the largest foundations in the world. It works with visionary organizations to advance education and financial inclusion to enable young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. Established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company, the Foundation is an independent organization separate from the company, with offices in Toronto, Kigali, Accra, Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, Dakar, and Addis Ababa. Its policies, operations, and program decisions are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.