Angélique Kidjo officially honoured with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has officially been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making history as the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive the prestigious recognition.

The five-time Grammy Award winner was celebrated at a star-unveiling ceremony in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, marking a landmark moment for African music and its growing influence on the global entertainment industry.

Kidjo was among the entertainers selected for the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, which was announced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in July 2025. She was selected in the Recording category alongside notable names including Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Lyle Lovett and others.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognised 35 entertainment personalities as part of its 2026 class, following a selection process involving hundreds of nominations.

At Tuesday’s ceremony, Kidjo was praised by prominent figures from the entertainment industry for her extraordinary musical career and humanitarian work.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, described her as a rare artist whose work has elevated the global music community and connected people across cultures.

Hollywood actor Willem Dafoe also paid tribute to Kidjo, praising her remarkable energy and commitment as a performer. He particularly highlighted her humanitarian efforts through the Batonga Foundation, which works to empower girls and young women in Africa.

During her acceptance remarks, the visibly emotional Kidjo reflected on Africa’s enormous contribution to global music and culture.

The 66-year-old singer, who was born in Benin, has built an international career spanning more than four decades and 18 albums. Her music draws from West African traditions while incorporating elements of jazz, funk, salsa, gospel, Afropop and other global sounds.

Kidjo has also become one of Africa’s most internationally recognised musicians, earning five Grammy Awards and numerous other honours during her career. She has been recognised by Time magazine among the world’s most influential people and has received international acclaim for both her artistic achievements and humanitarian advocacy.

Beyond music, she has used her global platform to advocate for education, women’s rights and opportunities for young people across Africa. Her Batonga Foundation has become an important part of that mission.

Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star therefore represents more than an individual achievement. It is also being celebrated as a significant milestone for African music and a recognition of the continent’s contribution to the global entertainment landscape.

Kidjo’s achievement follows the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s decision to include her among the 2026 honourees after a selection committee reviewed hundreds of nominations.

With her name now permanently etched into one of the world’s most famous entertainment landmarks, Angélique Kidjo has added another historic chapter to a career that has consistently connected African sounds and stories with audiences around the world.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition makes Kidjo the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive a star on the iconic Hollywood Boulevard.

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