"With a booming population that is overwhelmingly young, it's only a matter of time before west Africa produces a global pop star as universally renowned as Beyoncé or Prince. When that happens, she or he will owe a big debt to Benin's Angélique Kidjo who, now aged 60, has been a trailblazer for the continent over the course of 14 albums ... On Mother Nature she returns home, collaborating with an array of young voices on an exuberant album couched in contemporary R&B and hip-hop, but laced with traditional flavours. Its focus is both local and universal. "Dignity", alongside Nigeria's Yemi Alade, demands an end to police brutality (...), while the title track addresses the climate crisis. "Free & Equal", featuring Sampa the Great, returns to the principles of the 1776 US Declaration of Independence. Empowerment, unity and joy combine to catchy effect, with the exceptional Kidjo now leader of a new generation".