For more than four decades, Angélique Kidjo has carried the sounds and stories of Africa to audiences around the world. Now, the Beninese music icon is set to make history on one of Hollywood’s most recognised landmarks.
Five time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 2026, becoming the first Black African artist to be honoured with the prestigious recognition.
The ceremony will mark the unveiling of the 2,854th star on the famous Hollywood Boulevard. Actor Willem Dafoe is expected to serve as a guest speaker at the ceremony.
Kidjo was announced as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 in July 2025. She was selected in the Recording category alongside global music acts and artists including Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Lyle Lovett, Air Supply, Bone Thugs N Harmony, The Clark Sisters, Paulinho da Costa and Grupo Intocable.
A Milestone for African Music
Born in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo has built an international career by blending West African musical traditions with genres including Afropop, jazz, funk, reggae and world music.
Her career has spanned more than four decades, during which she has released acclaimed albums and collaborated with artists from different parts of the global music industry.
Her influence extends beyond music. Kidjo has consistently used her platform to promote African culture, support women and girls, and advocate for social causes.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition therefore represents more than another achievement in an already decorated career. It places an African woman and her cultural heritage on one of the world’s most visible entertainment landmarks.
Kidjo has won five Grammy Awards and received numerous international honours for her contribution to music and culture. Her career has also included collaborations with major international artists, helping introduce African musical traditions to wider audiences.
Five time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 2026, becoming the first Black African artist to be honoured with the prestigious recognition.
The ceremony will mark the unveiling of the 2,854th star on the famous Hollywood Boulevard. Actor Willem Dafoe is expected to serve as a guest speaker at the ceremony.
Kidjo was announced as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 in July 2025. She was selected in the Recording category alongside global music acts and artists including Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Lyle Lovett, Air Supply, Bone Thugs N Harmony, The Clark Sisters, Paulinho da Costa and Grupo Intocable.
A Milestone for African Music
Born in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo has built an international career by blending West African musical traditions with genres including Afropop, jazz, funk, reggae and world music.
Her career has spanned more than four decades, during which she has released acclaimed albums and collaborated with artists from different parts of the global music industry.
Her influence extends beyond music. Kidjo has consistently used her platform to promote African culture, support women and girls, and advocate for social causes.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition therefore represents more than another achievement in an already decorated career. It places an African woman and her cultural heritage on one of the world’s most visible entertainment landmarks.
Kidjo has won five Grammy Awards and received numerous international honours for her contribution to music and culture. Her career has also included collaborations with major international artists, helping introduce African musical traditions to wider audiences.
A Historic Moment for Africa
The announcement has attracted attention across Africa and the global African diaspora because of the historic significance of the recognition.
African artists have achieved remarkable success on international stages, but Kidjo’s upcoming star represents a significant moment for the visibility of Black African music within one of the world’s most recognised entertainment institutions.
As she takes her place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this August, the honour will recognise not only Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary musical career but also the growing global influence of African creativity.
For an artist who has spent decades connecting African sounds with audiences across the world, the Hollywood honour adds another historic chapter to an already remarkable journey.
The announcement has attracted attention across Africa and the global African diaspora because of the historic significance of the recognition.
African artists have achieved remarkable success on international stages, but Kidjo’s upcoming star represents a significant moment for the visibility of Black African music within one of the world’s most recognised entertainment institutions.
As she takes her place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this August, the honour will recognise not only Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary musical career but also the growing global influence of African creativity.
For an artist who has spent decades connecting African sounds with audiences across the world, the Hollywood honour adds another historic chapter to an already remarkable journey.
