Angelique Kidjo Makes History With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Beninese music sensation Angélique Kidjo has etched her name in history as the first Black African to receive a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. The renowned singer, who has been in the industry for over four decades, was honored at a ceremony in Los Angeles. Esteemed figures from the film and music world, including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., were present to witness the momentous occasion.

Kidjo, 66, has released 16 albums and has earned five Grammy Awards, with her first win in 2008 for "Djin Djin." She joins other African artists like Charlize Theron as one of the few Africans to have a star on the Walk of Fame. The Grammy-winning artist is also a UNICEF and Oxfam ambassador, and she oversees the Batonga Foundation, which supports girls' education in Africa.

While receiving the honor, Kidjo expressed her gratitude, stating that this milestone signifies not only her achievement but also the immense contribution of African music and artists worldwide. Kidjo emphasized that without African artists, there would be no music as we know it. She further stated that her achievement is not just her star, but our star, hinting that more African artists will follow in her footsteps.

Kidjo's induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame comes after she was selected as one of the 35 members of the Class of 2026, which also includes Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Shaquille O'Neal, Josh Groban, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.