Angélique Kidjo Makes History With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Angélique Kidjo has become the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a significant moment for the Beninese singer whose career has taken African music to audiences around the world.

The five-time Grammy Award winner received the honour on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during a ceremony in Los Angeles. Her star, the 2,854th on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was placed in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard.

Photo: Getty images

Kidjo was among the names selected for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026. The selection was announced in July 2025, with the Beninese singer included alongside several prominent figures from music, film, television and other areas of entertainment.

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The ceremony brought together several notable figures, including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold and actor Djimon Hounsou were also reported to be among those who attended the occasion.

For Kidjo, the recognition is tied closely to where she comes from and the music she has carried across borders throughout her career. During her speech, she reflected on Africa’s contribution to music and the influence of the continent’s culture on sounds heard around the world.

“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world. Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet,” she said during the ceremony.

The 66-year-old singer has spent more than four decades in music, building a career that extends beyond recording and live performances. She has released numerous albums, worked with international artists and used her public platform to support social and humanitarian causes. Her collaborations have included musicians such as Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, John Legend, Bono, Yo-Yo Ma and Burna Boy.

Photo: Getty images

Her Grammy history is another major part of that career. Kidjo has won five Grammy Awards, adding to a list of international honours that have established her as one of the most recognised African musicians working on the global stage.

The Hollywood recognition also came with a special declaration. August 18 was officially recognised as Angélique Kidjo Day in Hollywood, adding another distinction to the occasion.

The significance of the star goes beyond the name engraved on the famous boulevard. Kidjo’s achievement places a Beninese musician at a landmark that has long been associated with some of the biggest names in international entertainment. For African music, it is another visible acknowledgement of the artists who have carried sounds, languages and traditions from the continent into wider global audiences.