Angélique Kidjo Becomes First Black African Artist Honoured with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Angélique Kidjo has become the first Black African artist selected for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognising her decades-long musical career and global advocacy.

Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first Black African performer to be selected for a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Walk of Fame Selection Panel announced this week. She will be inducted as part of the Class of 2026, joining a celebrated roster that includes pop superstar Miley Cyrus and actor Timothée Chalamet.

Kidjo, a five-time Grammy Award winner, has enjoyed a groundbreaking four-decade career that has seen her rise to international acclaim for her distinctive fusion of West African musical traditions with elements of funk, jazz, Afrobeat, reggae, and rhythm and blues. Her discography includes 16 critically acclaimed albums and a host of collaborations with global luminaries such as Sting, Alicia Keys, Burna Boy, Peter Gabriel, and Philip Glass.

Often referred to as Africa’s "premier diva," Kidjo is widely celebrated not only for her musical innovation but also for her passionate advocacy work. A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002, she is the founder of the Batonga Foundation, which champions girls’ education and women’s empowerment across sub-Saharan Africa. Her artistry and activism have earned her numerous international honours, including the prestigious Polar Music Prize and recognition from TIME magazine as one of the world’s most influential people.

In a statement, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce praised Kidjo’s "unparalleled influence on global music and culture," noting that her induction marks a significant moment of representation for the African continent in one of entertainment’s most iconic landmarks.

Fans and fellow artists across the world have welcomed the announcement with praise and excitement, calling it a long-overdue recognition of a trailblazer whose work has transcended borders and genres.

Kidjo’s star will be unveiled in a ceremony scheduled for 2026 on Hollywood Boulevard, where her name will be permanently etched alongside the legends she has long stood among in spirit.