Angélique Kidjo and Ayra Starr sitting in a recording studio for their Aye Kan collaboration. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram

Do you know Angélique Kidjo and Ayra Starr have been cooking something in the studio? Don’t worry, this Friday, you get to feast on a single from the duo. Now, the secret is officially out.

The five-time Grammy Award winner has confirmed that Ayra Starr is the special guest on her upcoming single, “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)”. She shared the news on social media alongside a glimpse into their studio session, adding that they had “so much fun” putting the track together. From the dancing in the video, it’s easy to see what she means.

This collaboration has been a long time coming. The two first set the internet buzzing earlier this year when they met at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles. Seeing the Beninese legend and the Nigerian star share a moment on the red carpet, with Ayra in a champagne corset gown, had many hoping for a musical link-up. It turns out they got to work not long after.

Ayra Starr in a bronze off-the-shoulder gown posing with five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo, who is wearing a grey blazer and red headwrap, at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram

For Ayra Starr, this is another big moment in a busy year. She is still riding the wave of her latest single, “Where Do We Go,” and a collaboration with a global icon like Kidjo further reinforces her place as one of the continent’s most exciting voices.

As for the “Queen of African Music,” this release sets the tone for what’s ahead. The single leads into Angélique’s highly anticipated 19th studio album, “Hope!!,” arriving on 24 April. The project also features names like Davido and The Cavemen, making it one to look out for.

Mark your calendars for Friday, 27 March. Something tells us this one will be on repeat for a while.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angelique Kidjo (@angeliquekidjo)

The post The Link-Up You Hoped For! Angélique Kidjo & Ayra Starr Just Made It Official With “Aye Kan” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Close-up studio portrait of Angélique Kidjo wearing a red headscarf and a black top with colourful 3D floral appliqués, smiling against a white background for her “Hope!!” album campaign. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram

If there is one artist who has spent decades proving that African music belongs everywhere, on every stage, in every conversation, it is Angélique Kidjo. And she is not slowing down. The legendary Beninese singer has just announced her 19th studio album, “Hope!!,” arriving on 24th April 2026, and from what we already know about it, the continent has every reason to be excited.

This is a 14-track album five years in the making, dedicated to Kidjo’s late mother Yvonne, who she described as a lasting source of optimism and courage. That dedication is not just sentimental. It carries all the way through to the closing track, a version of Malaika, a song her mother loved.

The album features Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Quavo, Charlie Wilson, Fally Ipupa, Diamond Platnumz, PJ Morton, IZA, Florent Pagny, Dadju and the Soweto Gospel Choir, alongside Nigerian acts Davido, Ayra Starr and The Cavemen. Pharrell also produced three tracks for the album in Paris.

The presence of Davido, Ayra Starr and The Cavemen on this project is worth noting. Kidjo and Davido are no strangers to each other — the two have previously collaborated on “Na Money” and “Joy.” Seeing them reunite on “Hope!!” adds another chapter to a working relationship that has already produced two songs together.

Ayra Starr in a bronze off-the-shoulder gown posing with five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo, who is wearing a grey blazer and red headwrap, at the 2026 MusiCares Person of the Year gala in Los Angeles. Photo Credit: Angélique Kidjo/Instagram

The first single, “Fall on Me,” features PJ Morton and gives an early sense of the album’s tone, shaped by themes of joy, strength and perseverance. Kidjo has said she poured her whole heart into this project, and with a feature list that bridges continents, generations and genres, it shows.

“Hope!!” follows her 2021 album “Mother Nature,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angelique Kidjo (@angeliquekidjo)

The post Davido, Ayra Starr & The Cavemen Join Angélique Kidjo on Upcoming Album “Hope!!” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.