Angélique Kidjo becomes first black African to earn star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Edited by:  Reda El Ghazal

Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first black African artist to be honored with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, joining a select group of international figures in entertainment. This recognition celebrates her remarkable contributions to global music and her enduring influence on audiences worldwide.

Originating from Benin, Kidjo is recognized for her dynamic career that spans more than forty years and includes sixteen albums. Throughout her journey, she has blended the sounds of West Africa with genres such as jazz, funk, and R and B, building a reputation as one of Africa’s leading musical voices. Her collaborative projects have included well-known names like Burna Boy, Philip Glass, Sting, and Alicia Keys, further cementing her place in the international music scene.

The announcement of her selection coincided with the release of the 2026 class of inductees, which features celebrities from various fields, including Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Shaquille O’Neal. While Kidjo follows Charlize Theron as an African representative, she stands out as the first woman of color from the continent to receive this honor since the Walk of Fame’s inception.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Kidjo has devoted herself to humanitarian work, serving as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and Oxfam, and founding the Batonga Foundation, which supports education for girls across Africa. Her path from Benin to Paris in the early 1980s, motivated by political circumstances, marked the beginning of an international career defined by resilience and creativity.

Kidjo’s star ceremony date is yet to be set, but her story continues to inspire as she redefines boundaries in music, advocacy, and cultural leadership.