Angélique Kidjo says she's proud that her career has helped pave the way for the success of other artists in Africa, but now she's taking it one step further. On her latest album, she collaborates with the next generation. Fabrice Mabillot/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
From top left, clockwise: Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen, Mdou Moctar, Sunny Jain, Angélique Kidjo, Aerial East, Saint Sister. Courtesy of the artists hide caption
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque were a musical highlight of 2019. Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Celia Cruz is one of the women featured in the Turning The Tables series. Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images/Getty Images hide caption
Angelique Kidjo on Celia Cruz NPR hide caption
Vocalist andcomposer Ani Cordero continues to use her music to confront injustice. Courtesy of the Artist hide caption
Angélique Kidjo's Celia is one of the best albums of the year so far. Laurent Seroussi/Courtesy of the Artist hide caption
NPR Music picks the best albums of 2019 (so far). Chelsea Beck for NPR hide caption
Weyes Blood (left), Glen Hansard and Lizzo Courtesy of the artists hide caption
Vocalist Angelique Kidjo pays tribute to Celia Cruz on her new album, Celia. Laurent Seroussi/Courtesy of the Artist hide caption
Angelique Kidjo's Celia is out April 19 on Decca Records. Laurent Seroussi/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Favorite Albums So Far Angela Hsieh/NPR hide caption
Jorja Smith's debut album, Lost & Found, is one of the standouts for June 8 releases. Rashid Babiker/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
"It doesn't matter how hard the subject is, make it danceable," Angélique Kidjo says. Danny Clinch/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Angelique Kidjo's Remain in Light comes out June 8. Danny Clinch/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Clockwise from upper left: James Blake, Luluc, Angelique Kidjo, Gabriella Cohen Courtesy of the artists hide caption
Angelique Kidjo lends her Grammy-winning voice to a new song that protests child marriage. Al Pereira/WireImage hide caption
Angélique Kidjo performs live for KCRW. Larry Hirshowitz/KCRW hide caption
Angélique Kidjo's new album, Eve, comes out Jan. 28. Pierre Marie Zimmerman/Courtesy of the artist hide caption
Angélique Kidjo. Brian Blauser/Mountain Stage hide caption
Angélique Kidjo's 10th album, Eve, is dedicated to the women of Africa. Pierre Marie Zimmerman/Courtesy of the artist hide caption