Angélique Kidjo Honored With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, Making History for African Music: Five-time Grammy-winning musician Angélique Kidjo was honored with the 2,854th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a historic milestone for African music. The star was dedicated in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, making Kidjo the first African musician and first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The ceremony featured actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. as guest speakers and was emceed by Variety correspondent Angelique Jackson. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce said the honor recognized Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence and her contributions to music and culture across generations and continents.
Born in Benin, Kidjo built a four-decade international career that connected West African musical traditions with American R&B, funk, jazz and gospel, as well as musical influences from Europe, Latin America and the African diaspora. She released 18 albums and earned numerous international honors, including the 2015 Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum, the 2016 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award, the 2023 Vilcek Prize in Music and the 2023 Polar Music Prize.
Kidjo’s latest album, “HOPE!!,” featured collaborations with artists including Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Ayra Starr, Davido, Nile Rodgers, Charlie Wilson, IZA and PJ Morton. The project was dedicated to her late mother and reflected themes of hope, renewal and the unifying power of music.
Beyond music, Kidjo was also recognized for her humanitarian work. She served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation, which supports education, leadership and economic empowerment for girls and young women in Benin and Senegal. She was also involved in initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs across Africa.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame honor added another milestone to Kidjo’s distinguished career and highlighted the growing global recognition of African music and artists. Her star became part of the iconic Hollywood landmark administered by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the City of Los Angeles.
