Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African artist to be honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The announcement was made by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce as part of the Class of 2026, which includes 35 prominent figures across music, film, television, live performance, and sports.
Kidjo, renowned for her powerful vocals, genre-blending music, and dynamic stage presence, will be recognised in the “Recordings” category alongside global stars such as Miley Cyrus and The Clark Sisters. The honour acknowledges her decades-long contribution to music and her enduring commitment to sharing African culture and sounds with the world.
Born in Benin in 1960, Kidjo’s career spans over four decades, blending Afrobeat, jazz, funk, and West African traditional rhythms. Beyond music, she is a vocal advocate for social justice, girls’ education, and youth empowerment through her Batonga Foundation and work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s selection panel chose Kidjo from hundreds of nominations, and the decision was approved by its board of directors. The full list of honorees also features notable names like Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Deepika Padukone, and Shaquille O’Neal.
While the date for Kidjo’s star unveiling ceremony has not yet been announced, the recognition marks a significant milestone not only for her but also for African artists worldwide, symbolising the growing global appreciation of African culture and music.
Kidjo’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame stands as a beacon of cultural diversity and artistic excellence, celebrating her extraordinary legacy and the rich heritage of African music on the world stage.
