Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has officially made history, becoming the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The five-time Grammy Award winner was honoured on August 18, 2026, during a ceremony in Los Angeles, where she unveiled the 2,854th star in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard.
The milestone represents far more than a personal achievement for Kidjo. It is a significant moment for African music and culture, recognising a career that has spanned more than four decades and taken African sounds to audiences across the world.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kidjo reflected on Africa’s enormous contribution to global music, declaring that the continent’s influence is deeply woven into the music enjoyed around the world.
For Kidjo, however, the star is not simply about her own legacy. She described it as “our star,” expressing hope that her achievement would help create opportunities and open doors for the next generation of African artists.
The ceremony brought together prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Hollywood actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who joined in celebrating Kidjo’s remarkable contribution to music and culture.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also proclaimed August 18 as “Angélique Kidjo Day” in Hollywood, adding another historic distinction to the occasion.
Born in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo has built an extraordinary international career by blending West African musical traditions with genres including jazz, funk, pop, R&B and other global sounds. Her artistry, activism and advocacy have made her one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame itself described her as an artist whose extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents.
As her name is now permanently etched into one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment landmarks, Angélique Kidjo’s achievement stands as a powerful reminder of the global influence of African creativity.
One star. One historic moment. An achievement for an entire continent.
