Angélique Kidjo receives first Black African star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo has become the first Black African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony, held on August 18, 2026, in Los Angeles, honored the five-time Grammy Award winner in the Recording category.

Kidjo was joined by notable figures including actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. During her speech, Kidjo emphasized the profound influence of African culture on global music, stating, “Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet.”

The honor recognizes Kidjo's four-decade career and her humanitarian efforts through the Batonga Foundation, which focuses on empowering young women in Africa. The event was also celebrated by the Beninese government as a moment of national pride.