One of global music’s most acclaimed artists Angélique Kidjo will perform in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union on Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2026-2027 Wisconsin Union Theater (WUT) season.
Kidjo, a Beninese musician and activist known for her work in international music, has built a career spanning four decades and recorded 18 albums. Her most recent project, “HOPE!!,” released in 2026, is dedicated to her late mother and features multiple collaborators, including Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, as well as songs written by Diane Warren and Williams.
Named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People and a recipient of the Polar Music Prize, Kidjo has been widely recognized for her influence on international music. Time magazine described Kidjo as “Africa’s premier diva” in 2007, a phrase that has since been widely used to describe the acclaimed artist.
In 2022, Kidjo earned the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album for her 2021 project, “Mother Nature,” marking her fifth Grammy win. The achievement earned her a Guinness World Record for the most global music album awards won at the Grammys. She is the first Black African performer to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Kidjo is also widely acknowledged for her humanitarian work. She is a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and in 2016, she received the Ambassador of Conscience Award from Amnesty International. She continues her advocacy through the Batonga Foundation, which supports girls and young women in Africa.
“Angélique Kidjo’s unparalleled influence in international music and ability to connect audiences have shaped her career for decades,” WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “Her legacy reaches far beyond her music, reflecting a deep commitment to advocacy. The themes of hope woven through her work continue to inspire audiences worldwide, and we are honored to welcome her back.”
Patrons can purchase tickets at union.wisc.edu/events-and-activities/event-calendar/event/theater-angelique-kidjo or by calling the Campus Arts Ticketing box office at 608-265-2787.
This performance is co-presented by WUT and the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wisconsin Arts Board.