Angélique Kidjo receives first African star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo has become the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, held at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, honored her in the ‘Recording’ category.

Kidjo, 66, has maintained an international career spanning over four decades, releasing 18 albums and winning five Grammy Awards. Her music blends traditional rhythms from Benin with genres such as jazz, funk, reggae, soul, and pop. During the event, she was joined by figures including actor Willem Dafoe, actor Djimon Hounsou, and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.

In her remarks, Kidjo dedicated the distinction to Africa and the younger generation, emphasizing the continent's global musical contributions. She described the honor as a symbol of a world that functions as ‘one human family’ regardless of origin or language.