Five- time Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo becomes the first Black African woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at a ceremony in Los Angeles.
The Beninese-French born singer, songwriter and activist received this prestigious honor celebrating her decades- long career, global influence and her role as a cultural ambassador who consistently elevates African artistry on the world stage.
In a glitzy ceremony under palm trees and picture-perfect Californian skies, she was feted by film stars and music industry titans as she unveiled the star on the busy thoroughfare.
“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world, without us, there’s no music possible on this planet,” Kidjo said.
Kidjo’s journey blends with traditional West African rhythms such as jazz, funk, reggae and pop building an international career for more than forty years and eighteen albums. She has collaborated with Alicia Keys, Bono, Philip Glass and Youssou N’Dour.
She has also used her platform to champion women’s rights, education and social justice, serving as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and speaking out on issues affecting Africa and the global community.
