WOMEN OF THE WORLD: Angelique Kidjo + Fatoumata Diawara

She's been described as the African Annie Lennox – emerging from Benin in the '80s as a powerful force in both pop and feminist politics (she's currently campaigning for secondary education for African girls, and had to be protected by her audience in 2006 when she criticised Mugabe at a concert in Zimbabwe and was nearly pulled off stage). But that really doesn't cover the rich pan-African influence, cross-pollinated with James Brown and Jimi Hendrix, that feeds Angelique Kidjo's driving dance rhythms and exuberant multi-lingual vocals. Expect a set drawn from 2012's 'Spirit Rising', a greatest-hits style live album featuring Diane Reeves and Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig. Plus a soft, laid-back and acoustic – but no less politically informed – take on Mali's rich musical heritage from Paris-based Diawara, who's made big waves with her 2012 debut album 'Fatou', and her involvement with Rocket Juice And The Moon, Damon Albarn's latest project with Flea and Tony Allen. Part of the 'Women of the World' festival.