2026 ARHU Dean's Lecture Series with Angélique Kidjo
Five-time Grammy Award winner and humanitarian Angélique Kidjo joins College of Arts and Humanities Dean Stephanie Shonekan for a conversation about music, cultural fluency, and global advocacy. Kidjo, who comes from Benin, is recognized as one of Africa’s leading musical voices and has been named by Time as one of the world’s 100 most influential people. Her music draws on West African and global traditions, incorporates several languages, and reflects her own distinctive musical expression.
The discussion will consider Kidjo’s career and her humanitarian work, including her roles as an Oxfam and UNICEF ambassador and her founding of the Batonga Foundation, which supports girls’ education across Africa. The evening also includes UMD student performances of “Malaïka” and “Bando” by students from the School of Music and the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies. The program is co-sponsored by Arts for All.
When: Monday, October 5, 2026
Showtime: 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Free, tickets required
Venue: Dekelboum Concert Hall, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Seating: General admission
Performances: UMD students will perform “Malaïka” and “Bando.”
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible and size-inclusive seating, large-print programs, assisted listening devices, adult and child sensory packs, and quiet spaces are available upon request. ASL interpretation, audio description, and captioning may be available for select events or by patron request at least six weeks in advance.
Run time: Not provided
Age guidance: Not provided