Angelique Kidjo becomes first African musician honored with Hollywood star

Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, according to reports published on August 19, 2026. The milestone ceremony took place on August 18, 2026, marking a defining moment for African music as artists from across the continent reach new audiences and reshape popular music around the world. Kidjo's recognition carries particular weight, as her four-decade career has helped open pathways for African artists on the global stage, turning the ceremony into both a celebration of her singular legacy and a reflection of a wider movement.

The acclaimed artist was awarded the landmark marker in the Recording category. The star sits at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, positioned directly across the street from the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. It marks the 2,854th star installed on the iconic walkway, which is administered for the City of Los Angeles by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and has been visited by millions of people from around the world since 1960.

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A star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles

High-profile figures gathered in California to celebrate the milestone alongside the musician. Attendees included acclaimed actor and four-time Academy Award nominee Willem Dafoe, alongside Harvey Mason Jr., chief executive of the Recording Academy and MusiCares, who is also a multi-GRAMMY and Emmy-nominated songwriter and producer. Variety Correspondent Angelique Jackson emceed the ceremony.

"The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Angélique Kidjo to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,"

Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer

Martinez praised the musician's extraordinary artistry and global influence, highlighting how she has inspired audiences across generations and continents.

Legacy, global reach, and expansive discography

The honor arrives amid a career spanning four decades, during which Kidjo has released 18 albums and won five GRAMMY awards. Her creative output bridges cultures, generations, and genres. Her artistic journey has included exploring the musical roads of Africa's diaspora, reimagining Talking Heads' landmark album "Remain in Light," and paying tribute to iconic salsa singer Celia Cruz.

Her international acclaim has been widely noted by major global institutions. Kidjo has been named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the world, included by the BBC among the African continent's 50 most iconic figures, recognized by The Guardian as one of the 100 most inspiring women in the world, and acknowledged by Forbes as the most influential woman in Africa.

Kidjo continues her expansive creative journey on her latest album, titled "HOPE!!" The release features collaborations with numerous prominent musicians:

• Pharrell Williams
• Quavo
• Ayra Starr
• Davido
• Nile Rodgers
• Charlie Wilson
• IZA
• PJ Morton

Activism and international advocacy

Beyond her musical contributions, Kidjo maintains an active role in international advocacy. She travels the world advocating on behalf of children as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. At the 2019 G7 Summit, French President Emmanuel Macron named her a spokesperson for the AFAWA initiative - or Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa - which works to help close the financing gap for women entrepreneurs across the continent.

Kidjo also founded the Batonga Foundation, which has built a powerful, locally led movement advancing the education, leadership and economic empowerment of girls and young women across Benin and Senegal - transforming lives, strengthening communities and redefining what is possible for the next generation.