Angélique Kidjo honours her mother with a new rendition of ‘Malaika’ on upcoming album ‘Hope’

Grammy-winning artist Angélique Kidjo has paid a touching tribute to her late mother through a new rendition of the classic Swahili love song ‘Malaika’. The song will feature in her upcoming album titled ‘Hope’, which she described as a deeply personal project celebrating memory, loss, and love. In a heartfelt message shared with fans, Kidjo revealed that ‘Malaika’ was her mother’s favourite song, one she would often request her daughter to sing. This inspired the Beninese star to reinterpret the song as an emotional dedication five years after her mother’s passing. Kidjo teamed up with French singer Florent Pagny to record the piece, blending her rich global sound with Pagny’s distinct voice, giving the timeless melody a renewed life. She said the recording process felt almost spiritual, as she felt her mother’s presence while they worked in the studio. Originally composed in the 1960s, ‘Malaika’ is one of Africa’s most iconic love songs, made famous worldwide by artists such as Miriam Makeba. Kidjo’s version brings a new dimension, turning a beloved romantic song into a celebration of memory and resilience. Her album ‘Hope’ has already drawn attention for its wide-ranging collaborations and uplifting themes that combine African roots with contemporary expression, underscoring Kidjo’s enduring influence on global music.