Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First African Musician Honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician and first Black African to receive the prestigious honour.
The five-time Grammy Award winner was honoured on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, during a ceremony at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, where she unveiled the 2,854th star in the Recording category.
The ceremony featured appearances by Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, with Variety correspondent Angelique Jackson serving as emcee.
A milestone for African music
Kidjo's recognition marks a significant moment for African music on one of the world's most recognisable entertainment landmarks.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce described her as an artist whose extraordinary career and global influence have connected cultures, generations and musical traditions. Her honour comes after more than four decades of international music-making and cultural advocacy.
Throughout her career, Kidjo has incorporated West African musical traditions from her Beninese roots into genres including R&B, funk, jazz and gospel, while collaborating with artists from Africa, Europe, the Americas and the wider African diaspora.
'It’s not just my star'
During the ceremony, Kidjo emphasised the broader significance of the recognition, expressing hope that her achievement would create opportunities for other African artists.
She described the honour as belonging not only to herself but also to the wider African artistic community, reinforcing her long-standing advocacy for greater recognition of African creativity on the global stage.
Kidjo's career has already earned her numerous international distinctions. She has won five Grammy Awards and has been recognised by organisations including Amnesty International, the World Economic Forum and the Polar Music Prize. She has also been named among the world's most influential people by TIME.
Beyond music
Kidjo's influence extends beyond her recordings and performances.
She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation, which supports education, leadership and economic empowerment for girls and young women in Benin and Senegal.
Her advocacy has formed an important part of her public profile, particularly her work promoting opportunities for African children and girls.
The Hollywood honour therefore recognises not only her musical achievements but also a career that has used music and global visibility to promote African culture and social causes.
A historic addition to Hollywood Boulevard
As the 2,854th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kidjo's name now joins those of some of the most celebrated figures in entertainment history.
Her recognition also represents a landmark for African music, coming at a time when artists from the continent continue to expand their influence across global entertainment.
For Angélique Kidjo, the star is the latest achievement in a career that has taken her from Benin to some of the world's biggest stages.
For African music, it is a historic moment — one that places an African musician permanently among the celebrated names of Hollywood.