Angélique Kidjo - Black Ivory Soul

Few Africans have been more persistent at bridging the cultural gap than Benin’s musical dynamo. Kidjo’s latest, celebrating the links between Brazil and West Africa, could be her crossover ticket. Produced by Bill Laswell, the album is brimming with soulful vocals and infectious rhythms on songs like Gilberto Gil’s “Rafavela” and the Fela-style title track. But the standout is “Iwoya,” featuring a joyful duet with Dave Matthews. Impossible to resist.