Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First Black African Artist Honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame

LOS ANGELES — 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.

Kidjo was honoured on August 18, 2026, when she received the 2,854th star in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, marking a landmark moment for African music and its influence on the global entertainment industry.

During her acceptance speech, the celebrated singer paid tribute to Africa’s immense contribution to world music.

“Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet,” Kidjo declared, before dancing over her newly unveiled star.

The ceremony also featured tributes to the legendary performer, with actor Willem Dafoe describing Kidjo as “the hardest-working woman in show business.”

The City of Hollywood further recognised her extraordinary career by declaring August 18 Angélique Kidjo Day.

The honour caps a four-decade career in which Kidjo has fused West African musical traditions with diverse global sounds, establishing herself as one of Africa’s most influential cultural ambassadors.

Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star represents another major milestone in a career that has helped bring African music, culture and artistic expression to audiences around the world.