Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African musician and first Black African artiste to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Beninese singer received the honour on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the global music industry.

Kidjo received the 2,854th star on the famous boulevard during a ceremony held at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, opposite the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

The star was awarded in the Recording category, according to the official Hollywood Walk of Fame website.

Oscar-nominated American actor Willem Dafoe and Harvey Mason Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Recording Academy, attended the ceremony as guest speakers.

The honour capped more than four decades of music, cultural advocacy and humanitarian work by the 66-year-old singer.

“Angelique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents,” Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said when the ceremony was announced.

“We are proud to honour her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognising her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world.”

Kidjo, who started singing at the age of six, has built a career that crosses Afropop, jazz, funk, reggae and traditional African music.

Through songs such as Agolo, Wombo Lombo, We We, Batonga and Afirika, she introduced African rhythms and languages to audiences across different parts of the world.

Her music draws strongly from her Beninese roots, while also carrying influences from Yoruba music, Afrobeat, Caribbean sounds and American soul.

The singer has released 18 albums and worked with several global stars, including Alicia Keys, Bono, Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Peter Gabriel, John Legend, Pharrell Williams and Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Her Grammy-winning projects include Djin Djin, Eve, Sings, Celia and Mother Nature.

Kidjo has recorded five wins from 16 Grammy nominations, making her one of Africa’s most decorated musicians.
Her fifth Grammy came in 2022 when Mother Nature won Best Global Music Album.

The project featured several younger African musicians, including Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi and Sampa the Great.

Beyond music, Kidjo has used her influence to campaign for children’s rights, girls’ education and improved opportunities for African women.

She has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002. She also founded the Batonga Foundation, which supports girls and young women in Africa through education and skills development.

In 2021, Time magazine named her among the 100 most influential people in the world. She also received the Polar Music Prize in 2023 for her contribution to international music.

“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 told AFP.

“Many others will follow, and that fills my heart with joy,” she added.