Angélique Kidjo, the renowned musician from Benin, has made history by becoming the first black African artist to earn a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The announcement was made recently, revealing Kidjo as one of the 35 new honorees in the Walk of Fame’s class of 2026. The 64-year-old artist has been acclaimed as Africa’s “premier diva” and boasts an impressive collection of five Grammy awards for her remarkable contributions to music.
Alongside Kidjo, the Walk of Fame will also honor other celebrities, including Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Shaquille O’Neal. Kidjo has spent over 40 years crafting her musical identity and has released 16 albums, captivating audiences worldwide with her vibrant blend of West African sounds along with elements of funk, jazz, and R&B. Her collaborations have crossed genres, working with icons like Burna Boy, Sting, Philip Glass, and Alicia Keys.
Though Kidjo has faced challenges, such as leaving Benin for Paris in 1983 due to political oppression, her journey has only fueled her curiosity and passion for understanding the world around her. From her beginnings as a backing singer, she launched her solo career with the album “Parakou” in 1990. Beyond her musical endeavors, Kidjo is dedicated to humanitarian efforts, serving as a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador while also founding the Batonga Foundation, which focuses on supporting young girls’ education in Africa.
The date for the unveiling of Kidjo's star has yet to be confirmed, as new honorees have a two-year window to arrange their respective induction ceremonies. Kidjo now joins Charlize Theron as one of the two representations of Africa on the Walk of Fame, with Theron receiving her star back in 2005.
Alongside Kidjo, the Walk of Fame will also honor other celebrities, including Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and Shaquille O’Neal. Kidjo has spent over 40 years crafting her musical identity and has released 16 albums, captivating audiences worldwide with her vibrant blend of West African sounds along with elements of funk, jazz, and R&B. Her collaborations have crossed genres, working with icons like Burna Boy, Sting, Philip Glass, and Alicia Keys.
Though Kidjo has faced challenges, such as leaving Benin for Paris in 1983 due to political oppression, her journey has only fueled her curiosity and passion for understanding the world around her. From her beginnings as a backing singer, she launched her solo career with the album “Parakou” in 1990. Beyond her musical endeavors, Kidjo is dedicated to humanitarian efforts, serving as a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador while also founding the Batonga Foundation, which focuses on supporting young girls’ education in Africa.
The date for the unveiling of Kidjo's star has yet to be confirmed, as new honorees have a two-year window to arrange their respective induction ceremonies. Kidjo now joins Charlize Theron as one of the two representations of Africa on the Walk of Fame, with Theron receiving her star back in 2005.
