Angélique Kidjo Makes History As First African Musician Honoured With Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Beninese music icon and five time Grammy Award winner, Angélique Kidjo, has made history as the first African musician and first Black African performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Kidjo was honoured last Tuesday, during a ceremony in Los Angeles, where she unveiled the 2,854th star in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard.

The landmark recognition celebrates Kidjo’s more than four decades of contributions to music and her influence in bringing African sounds to audiences around the world. Her music has drawn from West African traditions while incorporating elements of jazz, funk, R&B, salsa, gospel and other global sounds.

Speaking at the ceremony, the 66 year old singer described the honour as a recognition that extends beyond her individual career to the wider African continent.

“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.

Kidjo also expressed hope that the milestone would create greater opportunities for other African musicians, describing the star as a shared achievement.

“It’s not just my star, it’s our star,” she said, adding that although she may be the first, she would not be the last.
Actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy Chief Executive Harvey Mason Jr. were among those who joined the celebration. Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez praised Kidjo for her artistic influence and contribution to music and culture across generations and continents.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also proclaimed August 18 as Angélique Kidjo Day in Hollywood.

Born in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo began performing as a child before moving to France in the 1980s. She went on to build an internationally acclaimed career, earning five Grammy Awards and becoming one of Africa’s most recognised musical voices.

Her latest honour adds another significant milestone to a career that has continued to connect African musical heritage with audiences across the globe.