Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making history as the first African musician and first Black African to receive the prestigious honour.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a landmark in Hollywood, Los Angeles, featuring permanent stars dedicated to entertainers who have made significant impact and contribution to the entertainment industry.
The Beninese music icon was honoured on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Los Angeles, where her star was unveiled on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star, in the Recording category, is the 2,854th to be installed on the iconic landmark.
The recognition places Kidjo among some of the world’s most celebrated entertainers and marks another major milestone in her career, spanning more than four decades.
Kidjo has released 18 albums and won five Grammy Awards, establishing herself as one of Africa’s most influential musical voices.
Her music has helped bring West African musical traditions to international audiences, with songs such as “Agolo,” “Wombo Lombo” and “Batonga” becoming some of her most recognised works. Her music blends African musical traditions with sounds from around the world.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame star therefore represents more than a personal achievement. It is another major moment in the global recognition of African music and its influence on the world stage.
For Angélique Kidjo, it is a star. But for African music, it is a milestone — and when she wins, Africa wins.
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Story by Theo Davids|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Anita Azawodie
