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Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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The five-time Grammy winner was honoured at a ceremony in Los Angeles attended by actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
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Kidjo used her speech to celebrate Africa’s influence on global music and dedicate the milestone to the continent.
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The honour adds to a four-decade career that has earned Kidjo five Grammys, 18 albums and global recognition for her music and humanitarian work.
August 19, (THEWILL) — Beninese music icon, Angélique Kidjo, has made history after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The five-time Grammy winner was honoured on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in the Recording category, becoming the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive a star on the famous Hollywood landmark.
Kidjo was joined at the ceremony by Oscar-nominated actor, Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., who both praised her influence as an artist and humanitarian.
Mason described Kidjo as a “rare artist” whose impact goes beyond music.
“Your example has elevated our global music community, and your work continues to remind us that music is more than entertainment; it’s connection”, he said.
Dafoe, who has known Kidjo for more than two decades, praised her energy as a performer and her work through the Batonga Foundation, which supports girls and young women in Africa.
“She is, without a doubt, the hardest-working woman in show business”, Dafoe said.
He also highlighted her humanitarian work, describing it as an extension of the values behind her music.
During her speech, Kidjo used the historic moment to celebrate Africa’s contribution to music and global culture.
“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world, what we continue giving to the world; without us there’s no music possible on this planet,” she said.
The singer also thanked her family, team and supporters before breaking into song during the ceremony.
Born in Benin, Kidjo has built an international career spanning more than four decades. Her music blends sounds from West Africa with genres including funk, jazz, R&B and pop, helping introduce African music to audiences around the world.
She has released 18 albums and earned five Grammy Awards, with projects such as “Djin Djin”, “Eve”, “Celia” and “Mother Nature” earning international recognition.
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Angélique Kidjo Becomes First African Honoured With Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star
Kidjo has also worked with artists including Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel and John Legend.
Beyond music, she has used her platform to support girls’ education and women’s empowerment through the Batonga Foundation and other humanitarian efforts.
The Walk of Fame honour adds to a long list of major achievements for Kidjo, who has also received the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award, the Polar Music Prize and the Vilcek Prize in Music.
Kidjo joins a select group of African-born entertainers honoured on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, including South African actress Charlize Theron, who received her star in 2005.
However, Kidjo is the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive the honour.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
