Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First Black African Artist Honoured With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Beninese music icon and five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a landmark moment for African music and culture on the global stage.
Kidjo received the 2,854th star on the famous Hollywood Boulevard on August 18, 2026, in the Recording category. The ceremony followed her selection as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026, announced in July 2025.
Born in Cotonou, Benin, in 1960, Kidjo has built an extraordinary career spanning more than four decades. Her music draws from West African traditions while embracing genres including Afrobeat, jazz, funk, gospel, reggae and global pop, helping introduce African musical traditions to audiences around the world.
Her international career has earned her five Grammy Awards and 16 nominations, making her one of the most decorated African musicians in Grammy history. Her Grammy-winning albums include Eve, Sings, Celia and Mother Nature.
Beyond music, Kidjo has become a powerful advocate for women, children, education and Africa’s cultural identity. Her influence has earned her numerous international honours, including the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award, and she has also been recognised among the world’s most influential people.
Her Hollywood recognition therefore represents more than another award in an already remarkable career. It places an African woman whose music has crossed languages, continents and generations permanently among some of the world’s most celebrated entertainment figures.
Kidjo has also worked with major international artists including Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, John Legend, Yo-Yo Ma and Burna Boy, further demonstrating the global reach of her artistry.
Her achievement is particularly significant because the Hollywood Walk of Fame has historically featured relatively few African-born artists. Kidjo’s star opens another door for African musicians and reinforces the growing global recognition of the continent’s creative influence.
At 66, Kidjo continues to record and perform, proving that her artistic journey is far from over.
From Benin to Hollywood Boulevard, Angélique Kidjo has now secured her place in history—not only as a five-time Grammy winner, but as a pioneering African artist whose voice, culture and creativity have reached audiences across the world.
A star on Hollywood Boulevard, but a legacy that belongs to Africa.
Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First Black African Artist Honoured With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star