Angélique Kidjo Talks Working With Pharrell [Video]

Angélique Kidjo sat down with Phil Rosenthal to talk about working with Pharrell on her 19th studio album titled ‘Hope!!’ The collaboration began during the ‘Grace For The World’ concert in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Sept. 13, 2025, where Pharrell co-directed and performed at the historic event. After hearing Kidjo perform a cover of a Celia Cruz song during soundcheck, Pharrell approached her to express his admiration and desire to work together. Their partnership quickly evolved into a series of highly organic studio sessions.

After an initial connection at the Vatican, the duo met in Paris at Pharrell’s studio in the Louis Vuitton building. ‘ No Stopping Us’ was fueled by deep conversations about their faith and the power of unity. Pharrell sent additional tracks, including ‘Bando’, which led to a cross-continental workflow involving Kidjo’s home studio and local musicians in Paris.

“I saw him sitting down building the sound and I’m listening… It’s like a magic thing happening. Because we had a conversation… how the belief in God give us strength in our faith to move forward and how people some people use it to divide but what God ask of us is to work together. When we are together nothing can stop us. That’s how we work. Basically, it becomes something organic.” Make sure to get ‘Hope!!’ HERE!

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