Angélique Kidjo makes history as first African musician to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Angélique Kidjo: A Global Icon

Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history by becoming the first African musician and the first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The five-time Grammy winner was honoured on Tuesday, 18 August, at a ceremony in Hollywood attended by prominent figures including actor Willem Dafoe, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., Beninese-born actor Djimon Hounsou and Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also declared 18 August as Angélique Kidjo Day in recognition of her contribution to music and culture.

In her emotional speech, the 64-year-old celebrated Africa’s immense influence on global music and culture. “We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world, what we continue giving to the world,” she said, before breaking into song and dancing beside her newly unveiled star. Her words highlighted a career spanning more than four decades, during which she has helped bring African music to audiences around the world while using her platform to champion African identity, women and young people.

Kidjo remains one of Africa’s most internationally recognised musicians. She has won five Grammy Awards, received the Polar Music Prize and performed at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She has also collaborated with major global artists including Alicia Keys, Burna Boy, Alicia Keys, Yo-Yo Ma, Bono and Peter Gabriel. Her latest album, Hope!!, features artists including Davido, Ayra Starr, Pharrell Williams, Quavo and Charlie Wilson, further reflecting her influence across generations and musical cultures.

Beyond music, Kidjo has built a powerful legacy through her humanitarian work, particularly with her Batonga Foundation, which supports girls and young women in Africa.