Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo makes history on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Los Angeles, 20 August 2026
On 18 August 2026, five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo made history as the first African musician to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A Historic Day in Hollywood
The historic ceremony took place at 11:30 AM PT at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, directly across from the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel [3][5]. The 66-year-old Beninese icon received the 2,854th star in the Recording category, an event that led to 18 August 2026 being officially designated as “Angélique Kidjo Day” in Hollywood [1][4]. The ceremony, emceed by Variety Correspondent Angelique Jackson, featured heartfelt speeches from actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., drawing global attention to the rising influence of African music [3][4][5].
A Celebration of Unity and Global Artistry
During her acceptance speech, Kidjo expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing that the accolade belongs to a broader collective. “I carry with me my family, my country, the generations of African artists who came before me, and all the young people who are dreaming about what is possible for their own lives,” she remarked, hoping the star serves as a reminder for youth to dream big and remain true to themselves [4]. She also highlighted her vision of the world as a unified community, stating that the star proves her belief that humanity is “one human family,” irrespective of origin, language, or skin colour [1].
Connecting Cultures Through Music
This sentiment of unity was echoed by Harvey Mason Jr., who commended her ability to bridge cultural divides. Mason noted that Kidjo has “connected cultures” and “crossed borders,” reminding global audiences that music possesses a unique capacity to unite people from diverse backgrounds [1][5]. Actor Willem Dafoe, a long-time admirer, lauded her as “without a doubt the hardest working woman in showbusiness,” praising not only her incredible live performance, dancing, and musical commitment but also her active, genuine philanthropy [1].
Four Decades of Musical Excellence and Activism
Kidjo’s journey to the Walk of Fame is built on a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years, during which she has released 18 albums and accumulated 17 Grammy nominations and 5 wins [1][4]. Having fled Benin’s then-communist government in 1983 to settle in Paris, she has since collaborated with a vast array of international stars, including Burna Boy, John Legend, Bono, Alicia Keys, and Nile Rodgers [1]. Her latest album, HOPE!!, dedicated to her late mother Yvonne, continues this collaborative spirit by featuring artists like Pharrell Williams, Quavo, and Davido [3][4].
An Enduring Legacy of Philanthropy
Beyond her musical achievements, which include prestigious accolades like the 2023 Polar Music Prize and the 2023 Vilcek Prize in Music, Kidjo remains deeply committed to humanitarian efforts [3][4]. She serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and Oxfam, and founded the Batonga Foundation to support secondary education and economic empowerment for young women and girls in Benin and Senegal [1][3][4]. For Kidjo, who began singing at the age of six, the ultimate goal remains to inject “some fire back in people’s hearts” and preserve our shared humanity through joy and hope [3][5].