Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First African Musician Honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On August 18, 2026, Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo received the 2,854th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, placed at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard opposite the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The star was awarded in the Recording category, making Kidjo the first African musician and the first Black African to be so honored. The ceremony also saw the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce proclaim “Angélique Kidjo Day” on the same date.

Angélique Kidjo Is Officially the First African Musician to Get a Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Kidjo, a five-time Grammy Award winner whose career spans more than four decades, has blended West African rhythms with funk, jazz, R&B, gospel and Latin influences. Since releasing her debut album in the early 1980s, she has issued 18 (later noted as 19) studio albums, collaborated with artists such as Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Davido and Nile Rodgers, and earned honors including the Polar Music Prize (2023) and TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (2021). In addition to her musical achievements, Kidjo has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002 and founded the Batonga Foundation, which supports education and economic empowerment for girls and young women in Benin and Senegal.

Angélique Kidjo makes history with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Kidjo’s star marks a symbolic breakthrough for African representation in a venue historically dominated by Western entertainers. By securing a permanent marker on Hollywood Boulevard, the ceremony signals institutional acknowledgment of African music as a foundational element of global popular culture rather than a peripheral influence. The designation of Angélique Kidjo Day further amplifies the message that African artists can shape worldwide artistic narratives and inspires emerging musicians from the continent to pursue international platforms.

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• “We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world. Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet,” — Angélique Kidjo, actress and activist

Angelique Kidjo becomes first African musician to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star

• “The first time I saw Angelique perform live, I thought her music, her dancing, her commitment were incredible,” — Willem Dafoe

Euronews

• “We are proud to honor her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world,” — Ana Martinez, of fame producer

Angelique Kidjo becomes first African musician to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star

• “By becoming the first African artist to receive this global honor, the Beninese icon has raised the rhythms, creativity and dignity of our entire nation to the highest level,” — Romuald Wadagni, benin’s president

Angelique Kidjo becomes first African musician to receive Hollywood Walk of Fame star

• “Without a doubt the hardest working woman in show business,” — Willem Dafoe

Angélique Kidjo Becomes First Black African to Receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star