Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has made history after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician and first Black African performer to earn the prestigious honour.
The Beninese music icon was honoured on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Hollywood, California, with her star becoming the 2,854th on the famous landmark.
The star sits at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, across from the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Kidjo received the recognition in the Recording category, cementing a career that has taken African music to audiences around the world.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also declared August 18 “Angélique Kidjo Day” in Hollywood, adding another distinction to a ceremony that celebrated her influence as an artist and advocate.
Kidjo’s Hollywood recognition represents more than another accolade in an already decorated career.
It marks a major moment for African representation on one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment landmarks.
The singer has spent more than four decades building an international career that draws from African musical traditions while embracing genres including Afropop, jazz, funk and world music.
Her career has earned her five Grammy Awards, the 2023 Polar Music Prize, a place on Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people and numerous other international honours.
Her official biography describes her as one of the leading artists in international music, with 18 albums to her name.
Her latest album, HOPE!!, released in 2026, features collaborations with major names including Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Ayra Starr, Davido, Nile Rodgers, Charlie Wilson and Diamond Platnumz.
Actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. were among the speakers at the Hollywood ceremony.
They joined other prominent figures in celebrating Kidjo’s contribution to global music and her ability to connect cultures through her work.
Benin-born actor Djimon Hounsou and Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold were also among the high-profile African personalities who attended the ceremony to support the celebrated musician.
The recognition follows Kidjo’s selection for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026, which was announced in July 2025.
She was selected alongside major entertainment figures including Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Josh Groban and Shaquille O’Neal.
Reflecting on the milestone, she said: “It’s not just my star, it’s our star.”
Kidjo has consistently used her international platform to promote African culture while advocating for social causes. Through her Batonga Foundation, she supports the education of young girls in Africa. She also works as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and has campaigned for children’s rights and opportunities for women and girls.
Her activism has remained closely connected to her music career, with Kidjo often using songs, performances and international appearances to highlight issues affecting communities across Africa and beyond.
Kidjo’s influence extends beyond her own recordings. Over the years, she has collaborated with artists from different generations and musical backgrounds, helping create bridges between African music and the wider global industry.
Kidjo has also remained active on the live circuit. Her current touring schedule includes performances across the United States and Europe following the release of HOPE!!.
Her star now joins thousands of others embedded along Hollywood Boulevard, giving her a permanent place among entertainers whose work has shaped popular culture.
