Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has added another major milestone to a career that has already placed her among Africa’s most celebrated global artistes. On August 18, the five-time Grammy Award winner became the first African musician and first Black African artiste to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The honour recognises more than four decades of music, cultural advocacy and humanitarian work. It also places Kidjo’s name alongside some of the most recognised figures in global entertainment at one of Hollywood’s most famous landmarks.
A Historic Star on Hollywood Boulevard
Kidjo received the 2,854th star during a ceremony at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, opposite the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The star was awarded in the Recording category, with actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. among those who attended as guest speakers.
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For Kidjo, the ceremony was both a personal achievement and a moment to reflect on Africa’s contribution to global music.
During the celebration, the 66-year-old singer spoke about the continent’s influence on the sound and culture that have travelled far beyond its borders. She also performed for guests after thanking her family and team.
Mason Jr. praised Kidjo as a rare artist whose work has helped connect audiences across cultures. Dafoe also highlighted her energy as a performer, while pointing to her humanitarian work through the Batonga Foundation.
The recognition follows a career in which Kidjo has consistently carried African sounds and stories to international audiences.
Four Decades of African Music on the Global Stage
Kidjo began singing at the age of six and has since built a career spanning more than 40 years and 18 albums. Her sound moves across Afropop, jazz, funk, reggae and traditional African music, drawing heavily from her Beninese roots while incorporating Yoruba music, Afrobeat, Caribbean sounds and American soul.
Songs such as Agolo, Wombo Lombo, We We, Batonga and Afrika helped introduce her music to audiences across continents.
Her international reach is also reflected in the artists she has worked with. Kidjo has collaborated with global names including Alicia Keys, Bono, Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Peter Gabriel, John Legend and Pharrell Williams, while also working with Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Kidjo’s Grammy-winning projects include Djin Djin, Eve, Sings, Celia and Mother Nature. Her fifth Grammy came in 2022 when Mother Nature won Best Global Music Album, with the project featuring African artistes including Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi and Sampa the Great.
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Her Legacy Goes Beyond Music
Kidjo’s influence extends well beyond her recordings and performances. For years, she has used her global platform to advocate for children’s rights, girls’ education and greater opportunities for African women.
She has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002 and founded the Batonga Foundation, which supports girls and young women across Africa through education and skills development.
Her contributions have earned recognition beyond the music industry. Time magazine named her among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2021, while she received the Polar Music Prize in 2023 for her contribution to international music.
Speaking about her Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition, Kidjo expressed hope that her achievement would open the door for more African artistes.
“I may be the first African female singer to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but I am convinced that I will not be the last,” she said.
Her words capture the wider significance of the moment. Kidjo’s star is a celebration of an extraordinary career and another reminder of the growing global reach of African music and culture.
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