- Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African artist to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Kidjo, who has won five Grammy Awards over the course of her career, is widely known for her unique blend of Afrobeat, jazz, funk, and traditional African sounds.
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African artist to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The news was officially announced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, with Kidjo listed among the Class of 2026 honourees. This recognition marks a huge milestone not just for the celebrated singer, but for the entire African music industry.
Kidjo, who has won five Grammy Awards over the course of her career, is widely known for her unique blend of Afrobeat, jazz, funk, and traditional African sounds. With over four decades in the music scene, she has consistently used her platform to promote African culture and empower women and young girls through her humanitarian work.
Apart from her music, Kidjo is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the Batonga Foundation, which supports girls’ education in Africa. Her commitment to both the arts and social justice has earned her numerous international awards, including the prestigious Polar Music Prize and the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum.
This latest honour puts her name among global stars like Miley Cyrus, Rami Malek, Deepika Padukone and Shaquille O’Neal, who also made the Class of 2026. Kidjo’s Walk of Fame star will be installed at Ovation Hollywood within the next two years. The award not only celebrates her incredible talent and impact but also shines a light on Africa’s growing influence on global pop culture.
