Angélique Kidjo Becomes First African Artist to Score a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star!

Five-time Grammy-winning Beninese-French icon Angélique Kidjo is officially set to become the first African artist ever honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The announcement was made by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at a press event in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles on July 2, 2025 as part of the 2026 Walk of Fame Class, and will join 34 other legends across film, television, live theatre, sports entertainment, and music.

Born in Ouidah, Benin in 1960, Angelique Kidjo launched her music career at age six with her mother’s theatre troupe. In 1983, she relocated to Paris and rose to international acclaim with albums like Parakou (1990) and her globally celebrated hit “Agolo” (1994).

Over four decades, Kidjo has earned 5 Grammy Awards, including Best World/Global Music Album titles (2015, 2016, 2020, 2022), and was awarded the 2023 Polar Music Prize. She has been lauded by Time as “Africa’s premier diva” and named one of the 100 most influential people (2021).

A talented polyglot, Kidjo sings in Fon, Yoruba, French, English, and Gen, fusing African, jazz, funk, and Latin influences into a vibrant, global sound.

She has consistently used her platform to advocate for women’s rights, education, and cultural heritage. As a UNICEF goodwill ambassador (2002–present) and founder of the Batonga Foundation, she supports education for African girls. Her recent album Mother Nature promotes pan-African solidarity and environmental awareness, featuring rising stars like Burna Boy and Yemi Alade.

At the 2024 Grammy season and a 40-year retrospective concert at Carnegie Hall, she emphasized African pride and resilience, declaring, “We are all Africans”.

Beyond the Star

This historic recognition not only honors Kidjo’s extraordinary career, it marks a powerful step forward for African cultural representation in global mainstream media. It highlights her dual role as a performer and advocate, and signals growing appreciation for African music’s transformative impact.

For decades, Kidjo has blended traditional and modern sounds, challenged life barriers, and uplifted countless African voices. This Walk of Fame star cements her legacy, and opens the path for future generations of African entertainers.