Angelique Kidjo honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame
By James A. AbiAugust 19, 202649 views 2 min read
Beninese music icon Angelique Kidjo has 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 Tuesday during a ceremony in Los Angeles, where she unveiled the 2,854th star in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard. The milestone places Kidjo among the world's most celebrated entertainment figures and marks a significant moment for African music on the global stage.
A Historic Recognition
Kidjo was honoured as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame's Class of 2026, which was announced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in July 2025. She was selected alongside artists including Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Lyle Lovett and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
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The ceremony was attended by actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. Hollywood officials declared August 18 "Angelique Kidjo Day" in recognition of her achievement.
Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez described Kidjo as an artist whose influence had inspired audiences across generations and continents. "We are proud to honour her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognising her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world," Martinez said.
Beninese musician and actress Angelique Kidjo arrives to her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles on August 18, 2026. Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images.
A Star for Africa
Speaking at the ceremony, Kidjo framed the achievement as a milestone for Africa rather than simply a personal accomplishment. She has previously described the star as belonging not only to her, but to the continent and its artists.
The honour adds to a four-decade career that has earned Kidjo five Grammys, 18 albums and global recognition for her music and humanitarian work.
Celebrations in Benin
Benin's President Romuald Wadagni also celebrated the milestone, saying Kidjo had "etched her name into history." "By becoming the first African artist to receive this global honour, the Beninese icon has raised the rhythms, creativity and dignity of our entire nation to the highest level," Wadagni said.
With reporting from KBC Digital, Anadolu Ajansı, News24, Channels Television and THEWILL.
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