Angélique Kidjo will soon make history. The Beninese-French singer, known for her powerful voice and trailblazing music, is set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—becoming the first African artist to earn the honour under the Recordings category.
The news was confirmed on Wednesday during a live press conference hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at Ovation Hollywood. The 64-year-old Grammy winner joins 34 other entertainers in the Walk of Fame Class of 2026. Fellow honourees include Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and gospel legends The Clark Sisters.
“Thanks to all my fans who brought me here,” Kidjo wrote on Instagram, where she has more than 750,000 followers.
Her star will add another layer to Africa’s presence on the Walk of Fame. The only other African-born woman previously honoured is Charlize Theron, a white South African actress who received her star in 2005.
Kidjo’s recognition is part of a wider list that also includes international figures such as Deepika Padukone from India, Lea Salonga from the Philippines, and Lucero from Mexico.
The date of Kidjo’s unveiling ceremony is yet to be confirmed. Those selected have up to two years to schedule the event.
Peter Roth, chair of the Walk of Fame selection committee, said: “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honour them with this well-deserved recognition.”
For Kidjo, the star marks a new chapter in a career that spans more than four decades. Born in Ouidah, Benin, on 14 July 1960, she has earned five Grammy Awards and is known for her genre-blending style, mixing Afrobeat, jazz, funk and traditional African rhythms.
She has performed with a wide range of artists—Burna Boy, Alicia Keys, Philip Glass, Sting—and has used her platform to champion women’s rights, climate justice, and cultural diplomacy.
Her accolades stretch far beyond music. In 2015, she received the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum. In 2016, she was honoured with Amnesty International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award. More recently, she won the 2023 Polar Music Prize and the Vilcek Prize in Music.
Time Magazine once called her “Africa’s premier diva.” The BBC listed her among Africa’s 50 most iconic figures. Forbes ranked her the most powerful celebrity woman on the continent.
Kidjo’s voice—musically and politically—has crossed borders and broken barriers. The star on Hollywood Boulevard will be more than a tribute to her music. It’s a symbol of African creativity, global reach, and cultural legacy.
