Angelique Kidjo Tours the U.S. and Europe in support of her latest release, "Oyaya!"

"Oyaya! is a magnificent album... Kidjo's voice has never sounded more expressive or exquisitely nuanced."- The Times of London

"Full of tropical breezes, and cool, cool waters, this is a magnificent effort from a singer who continues to surprise and satisfy." - Boston Globe

"[Kidjo's] supercharged pipes have never sounded better, her irresistible energy and joie de vivre never more palpable...Kidjo reaffirms her global-diva credentials." - LA Weekly

""Kidjo demands your undivided attention with her electrifying stage presence and forceful voice." - Village Voice

"Arguably her most powerful punch yet - a high-octane tour of the Caribbean like you've never heard. "- Boston Herald

Music's ability to cross borders, transcend boundaries and unite people is one of the key inspirations behind Oyaya! With her husband, Jean Hebrail, Kidjo penned 13 original songs in a variety of indigenous Caribbean styles, including salsa, calypso, meringue and ska. The album was produced by Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, String Cheese Incident) Kidjo sings the numbers in English, French and African languages Yoruba and Fon.

Look for Kidjo performing in select U.S. cities this May, before returning to Europe for more dates abroad. Current confirmed U.S. tour dates include:

Sun May 08LebanonNHLebanon Opera House
Tue May 10Philadelphia PAWorld Cafe Live
Wed May 11HartfordCTBushnell Center for the Performing Arts
Thu May 12New YorkNYB.B. King's
Fri May 13PrincetonNJMcCarter Theater
Sat May 14SomervilleMASomerville Theater

Kidjo was also recently featured in the film (and on the soundtrack), Lightning in a Bottle, which was recorded at the historic "Salute To The Blues" concert in February, 2003, at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. The concert featured a 'who's who' of blues royalty, from B.B. King, Buddy Guy to India.arie. The concert film was directed by Antoine Fuqua and will be released by Sony Classics on October 15. Kidjo can be seen at the opening of the film, performing the song Zelie and later performs a spirited duet with Buddy Guy of the Jimi Hendrix classic Voodoo Chile.

Kidjo continues to travel the world as a global Ambassador and symbol of Africa. She has participated in several prestigious events. In December 2003 Kidjo shared the stage with the likes of Bono, Peter Gabriel, Dave Stewart and other in Cape Town, South Africa as part of the 46664 - The Concert. The event was part of Nelson Mandela's worldwide music-led campaign to raise awareness of the devastating impact of AIDS in Africa. In May 2004, Kidjo participated in the We Are the Future Concert in Rome. Quincy Jones produced the concert, which also featured Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Norah Jones and others performing in front of over 450,000. Proceeds benefited "We Are the Future" programs, including the creation of child centers in six cities worldwide.

At the Barbican Theatre in London, Angelique performed the Billie Holiday classics "The Man I Love" and "You Don't Know What Love Is" as part of a tribute to the legendary singer. The "Billie and Me" concert also included performances by Chrissie Hynde, M'shell Ndegeocello, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Neneh Cherry. This summer Angelique participated in Carlos Santana's Hymns for Peace concert as part of the 38th annual Montreux Festival. She joined the likes of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, John McLauglin and Ravi Coltrane for this extraordinary evening.

Kidjo also recorded the song Africa 2015 with fellow African stars Youssou n'Dour, Salif Keita, Baaba Maal, Manu Dibango, among others. The song is being used to support the work of the UNDP, the brand of the United Nations devoted to development.

As a UNICEF Good Will Ambassador, Kidjo continues to travel the world, often with Executive Director, Carol Bellamy. Kidjo has recently been helping to raise awareness of a new UNICEF Program, Girls Education, which has been designed to help eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education.