Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First Black African Artist Honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has made history after becoming the first Black African artist and first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Beninese music icon was honoured on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during a ceremony in Los Angeles, marking another major milestone in a career spanning more than four decades.

Kidjo received the 2,854th star in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, opposite the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce had previously described the recognition as a landmark first for an African artist.

The 66-year-old singer, songwriter, actress and activist has built an international career by blending West African musical traditions with genres including Afropop, jazz, funk, reggae, gospel and soul.

Her five Grammy Awards have cemented her status as one of Africa’s most successful and influential musicians on the global stage. Her Grammy-winning projects include Djin Djin, Eve, Sings, Celia and Mother Nature.

During the Hollywood ceremony, Kidjo was celebrated by prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr.

Dafoe praised Kidjo’s extraordinary energy and work ethic, while other African entertainers and musicians also joined the celebration.

The honour carries particular significance for Kidjo, whose career has consistently placed African culture and musical traditions at the centre of her work.

Speaking about the milestone, Kidjo said she hoped her achievement would open the door for other African artists to receive similar recognition.

Her journey began in Benin, where she was exposed to music from an early age before eventually moving to France and building an international career. Over the years, she has collaborated with artists including Alicia Keys, Bono, Burna Boy, John Legend, Peter Gabriel, Pharrell Williams and Fela Kuti.

Beyond music, Kidjo has been a prominent advocate for children’s rights, girls’ education and opportunities for young women in Africa. She founded the Batonga Foundation and has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002.

Her latest recognition adds to a long list of international honours. In 2021, Time magazine named her among the world’s 100 most influential people, while she received the Polar Music Prize in 2023.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame honour now places Kidjo’s name permanently along one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment landmarks.

For Benin and the wider African continent, the achievement represents a major cultural milestone and another recognition of the global influence of African music.