Discussing great challenges facing the world today, singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angelique Kidjo spoke about the integral role that African women must play in facing them. “We cannot achieve anything without the women of Africa being empowered,” said Kidjo, noting that women are “at the center of” major issues such as climate change and food insecurity. “If you’re not making progress there, all the progress we make in developed countries will be wasted because we only have one ecosystem and we all breathe the same air.”

This personal reflection is part of a series called Turning Points, in which writers explore what critical moments from this year might mean for the year ahead. “Working with this generation of African artists inspires me, because the way their music feels and makes me feel is that perfect blend of familiar and fresh. Young artists like Burna Boy, the first Nigerian act to headline — and sell out — Madison Square Garden, are shining on the world stage because they are no longer looking to imitate Western music. They are looking to the traditional music of their countries, and to the many artists who came before them, like Fela Kuti, Salif Keita or me.” (Angélique Kidjo)

Multiple Grammy-winning singer–songwriter Angélique Kidjo tells the story of her harrowing escape from Communist Benin into France, her rise from poverty to become an international sensation, and her tireless advocacy work for the education of African girls and women’s rights. Her memoir is Spirit Rising: My Life, My Music. She’s joined in conversation and song by percussionist, composer, and educator John Santos.