“We have to learn from each other's experience,” Angelique Kidjo tells Ebro Darden on The Message. “What we owe ourselves and the next generation is to tell our story in the light of truth, in the light of our struggle, and to find common ground.” The Beninese American star spoke with Darden fresh off the release of her album Mother Nature, a project that affirms the iconic singer’s mission of bridging the gap. Mother Nature features guest spots from artists like Mr Eazi, Burna Boy and Sampa the Great, all of whom have no doubt been influenced by Kidjo’s presence and, more importantly, all use their own stories to connect with audiences well beyond their home countries. “One thing that really allowed me to be the artist that I am is that at an early age, my parents brought music home,” Kidjo says. “My identity as a Black person, being aware of what it is to be Black comes from music. The first time I heard the word 'slave descendent', it was when I heard Jimi Hendrix. I was like, 'Who's this guy? What language is he speaking? He looks African to me.' That's when my brother said, 'He's African American.'” For her The Message playlist, Kidjo includes selections from all-time greats like Fela Kuti, Bob Marley and Celia Cruz, along with a wealth of others whose music helped to teach her the power of communication.