Angélique Kidjo is a Grammy Award-winning recording artist deemed "Africa's premier diva" by TIME magazine. Born in Benin (West Africa), Kidjo performs rhythmic Afro-funk fusion with “irresistible energy and joie de vivre.” (Los Angeles Times)

With a sound that's rooted in the music of Benin, both traditional and contemporary, it's her love for other genres of music that have led her to international fame. Her use of jazz and pop influences in her music have made her accessible to people from all over the globe. She sings in four languages and has worked with many of the world's finest musicians, including Joss Stone, Peter Gabriel and Ziggy Marley.

In 2002, Angelique Kidjo was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF, and used her voice and her influence to reach people worldwide to discuss some of the major issues affecting the people of Africa: the spread of HIV/AIDS, poverty and hunger, and conflict and war in places such as Darfur. Kidjo has also started her own foundation, the Batonga Foundation, to help fund and support education for young girls in Africa.

Montréal afro-pop group H’sao draws from gospel, soul, R&B, as well as their roots in the African country of Chad. Formed by three brothers, all singer-songwriters; their unique style features masterful a capella singing that sets them apart on the vast soundscape of world music.

Presented by Koerner Hall in association with Batuki Music.