Angélique Kidjo Makes History As First African Artist To Receive Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star.
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first African artist to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The announcement, made by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, places the five-time Grammy Award winner among the prestigious Class of 2026, a group of 35 global entertainers recognised for their contributions to music, film, television, and sports.
Kidjo, 64, hailing from Cotonou, Benin, has captivated audiences worldwide for over four decades with her powerful voice and genre-defying music. Blending Afrobeat, jazz, funk, and traditional West African rhythms, her discography includes acclaimed albums such as *Logozo* (1991), *Black Ivory Soul* (2002), *Eve* (2014), *Celia* (2019), and the Grammy-winning *Mother Nature* (2021). Her ability to fuse diverse musical styles has earned her the title of “Africa’s premier diva” by TIME Magazine, with her dynamic performances resonating across continents.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame selection panel, chaired by former Warner Bros. Television CEO Peter Roth, chose Kidjo from hundreds of nominees during a meeting on 25 June 2025. “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honour them with this well-deserved recognition,” Roth said. Kidjo joins an illustrious lineup that includes singer Miley Cyrus, actor Timothée Chalamet, actress Demi Moore, and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. The star unveiling ceremony, to be scheduled within the next two years, will mark a moment of pride for Africa’s creative community.
Born in 1960, Kidjo’s journey began in Benin, where she was immersed in a rich tapestry of musical influences. Fleeing the oppressive communist regime in 1983, she relocated to Paris, initially working as a backing singer before launching her solo career with the album Parakou in 1990. Her music, which bridges African traditions with global sounds like R&B and Latin influences, has introduced African rhythms to mainstream audiences, earning her accolades such as the 2023 Polar Music Prize.
Beyond her musical achievements, Kidjo is a dedicated humanitarian. As a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador, she advocates for education and gender equality. Her Batonga Foundation, established in 2006, empowers young African girls through scholarships, vocational training, and safe spaces, impacting thousands across Benin, Mali, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, and Cameroon. Her activism has earned praise from global figures, with former US President Bill Clinton noting, “The only thing bigger than Angélique Kidjo’s voice is her heart.”
The announcement has sparked widespread celebration, particularly across Africa, where Kidjo’s achievement is seen as a landmark for the continent’s representation in global entertainment. Social media platforms have been abuzz with tributes, with fans and cultural figures hailing her as a trailblazer. “This is not just a win for Angélique but for all African artists pushing boundaries,” one Nigerian commentator posted on X.
While the exact date for Kidjo’s star unveiling on Hollywood Boulevard remains unconfirmed, the honour underscores her role as a cultural ambassador who has elevated African music and identity on the world stage. Her inclusion in the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to her enduring legacy, inspiring a new generation of artists to dream big and break barriers.
