Angelique Kidjo Makes History as First African Artist Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

Angelique Kidjo, the Grammy-winning powerhouse from Benin, has been named among the 35 honorees for the 2026 Hollywood Walk of Fame—and notably becomes the first African artist to earn a star. The announcement came on July 2, 2025, from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, during a press conference at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Kidjo, 64, celebrated a career spanning over four decades, six GRAMMYs, and global activism in music and human rights. Iconic figures such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Shaquille O’Neal, Deepika Padukone, Emily Blunt, and Marion Cotillard are also part of the Walk’s illustrious 2026 roster.

Born July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo rose through the music world with her spiritually-infused Afropop and Afrobeat fusion. Time magazine dubbed her “Africa’s premier diva,” and she earned a coveted spot on their “100 Most Influential People” list in 2021.

Her discography boasts five GRAMMY Awards: Djin Djin (2008), Eve (2015), Sings (2016), Celia (2020), and Mother Nature (2022)—making her the most awarded African solo artist at the GRAMMYs.

Beyond accolades, Kidjo has been a global advocate—performing at the Tokyo Olympics opening in 2021, launching the Batonga Foundation in 2006 for girls’ education, serving as a UNICEF and OXFAM ambassador, and using her voice for social justice and climate awareness.

Honorees have a two-year window to schedule their star ceremony, which draws tens of thousands of tourists annually. The selection process requires fan nominations and a sponsorship fee of around $75,000—an investment in Hollywood’s living legacy.

Kidjo’s star not only cements her place among global icons in Los Angeles, but also marks a major step forward for African representation in mainstream cultural landmarks. This milestone resonates with fans worldwide and underscores her influence in shaping global music and cultural diplomacy.