Grammy-winning music legend Angélique Kidjo has become the first Black African artist to be selected for a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon. With about 24 induction ceremonies annually broadcast around the world, the constant reinforcement provided to the public has made the Walk of Fame a top visitor attraction. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is undoubtedly one of the most successful marketing ideas ever produced.
Born and raised in Benin , the singer is known for her powerful voice and eclectic fusion of West African sounds with funk, jazz, and R&B.She was named among the 35 inductees in the Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026. The announcement was made during a press conference on Wednesday, where she was celebrated as Africa’s “premier diva.”
Now 64, Kidjo boasts an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, with 16 albums and five Grammy Awards to her name. Over the years, she has collaborated with global icons including Burna Boy, Alicia Keys, Sting, and composer Philip Glass.
Her recognition places her alongside South African actress Charlize Theron—who received her star in 2005—as one of only a few African artists on the Walk of Fame, which features over 2,700 stars along Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Also featured in the 2026 class are singer Miley Cyrus, actor Timothée Chalamet, actress Demi Moore, and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. While a date for Kidjo’s star unveiling has not been set, honourees typically have two years to schedule their induction ceremony.
Kidjo left for Paris in 1983, citing repression under the country’s former communist regime. “From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second,” she told the BBC in 2023.
Kidjo began her music journey in France as a backing vocalist before launching her solo career with the release of Parakou in 1990. Beyond her music, she is a passionate advocate for education and gender equality.
She serves as a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador and runs her own foundation, Batonga, which empowers young girls across Africa through education.
Her star on the Walk of Fame not only celebrates her musical achievements but also marks a significant milestone for African representation in the global entertainment industry.
