Angélique Kidjo to Become First African Musician to Get Hollywood Star

Five-time Grammy-winning musician Angélique Kidjo is set to make history on Tuesday as the first African musician and first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Beninese music icon will receive the 2,854th star in the Recording category during a ceremony at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Kidjo will be accompanied at the ceremony by Oscar-nominated American actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy Chief Executive Officer, Harvey Mason Jr.

Hollywood Walk of Fame producer, Ana Martinez, praised Kidjo’s artistry and global influence, saying her contributions had inspired audiences across generations and continents.

Kidjo, 66, has built an international career spanning more than four decades, blending West African musical traditions with genres including funk, jazz, R&B and gospel.

Born in Benin, she moved to France in the 1980s before establishing a global career that has earned her five Grammy Awards and numerous other international honours.

She has collaborated with several leading international and African artistes, including Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Alicia Keys, Sting and Philip Glass.

Beyond music, Kidjo has used her platform to advocate for children's rights and education across Africa.

She was also named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world and has received honours including the Polar Music Prize and Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award.

Kidjo previously expressed hope that her recognition would pave the way for more African artistes to receive similar global honours.

“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 said when the honour was announced.

The historic recognition further highlights the growing global influence of African music and its artistes.