Beninese-French singer and five-time Grammy winner, Angelique Kidjo, is set to become the first African artiste to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The announcement was made during a live press conference held by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, July 2, at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Kidjo joins a lineup of 35 global stars selected as part of the Walk of Fame Class of 2026, which includes American singer Miley Cyrus, rapper group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, actor Rami Malek, Indian actress Deepika Padukone, and Filipino singer Lea Salonga.

Other notable names include Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Josh Groban, Gordon Ramsay, Paulinho da Costa, and Lyle Lovett. In the live theatre category, comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Broadway legend Lea Salonga made the cut, while basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal stands as the sole honouree in the sports entertainment category.

According to organisers, honourees were selected from “hundreds” of nominations submitted to the Walk of Fame selection panel and ratified by the board of directors on June 25. Each recipient will have two years to schedule their star ceremony.

Speaking on the recognition, Peter Roth, former Warner Bros. TV CEO and current chairman of the selection committee, said, “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honour them with this well-deserved recognition.”

Kidjo’s inclusion marks a major moment for Africa in global pop culture, following decades of groundbreaking performances, advocacy, and music that blends Afrobeat, jazz, and traditional sounds.

Dates for the star unveiling ceremonies are yet to be announced.