Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician and first Black African to receive the prestigious honour.
Kidjo was awarded the 2,854th star in recognition of her extraordinary musical career and global cultural influence, spanning more than four decades.
The ceremony brought together prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who joined Kidjo in celebrating the milestone.
Dafoe praised Kidjo not only for her remarkable work ethic and artistry but also for her activism and commitment to giving back.
Mason Jr. similarly described Kidjo as an artist whose influence extends far beyond music, highlighting the sense of purpose behind her work and her impact on audiences around the world.
For Kidjo, however, the honour represented much more than an individual achievement. During her speech, she used the occasion to highlight Africa’s profound contribution to global music and culture.
“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world, what we continue giving to the world; without us there’s no music possible on this planet,” Kidjo said.
The five-time Grammy winner also dedicated the moment to her family, Benin, previous generations of African musicians and young people across the continent who aspire to build careers on the global stage.
Reflecting on her journey from Benin to Hollywood, Kidjo said she could never have imagined receiving such an honour when she was a young girl.
She expressed hope that the star would encourage young people to dream boldly, remain connected to their identity and refuse to allow others to define the limits of what they can achieve.
The milestone was also marked by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which officially declared August 18 Angélique Kidjo Day in Hollywood before the star was unveiled.
The ceremony was attended by Benin-born actor Djimon Hounsou, Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold, as well as Kidjo’s family, friends and other industry figures.
Kidjo has spent more than four decades building a career that connects the musical traditions of her native Benin with global genres including funk, jazz and pop. Her work has earned her five Grammy Awards and established her as one of Africa’s most influential musical voices.
Her Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition represents another landmark moment in the growing global recognition of African music and artists.
For Kidjo, the star is not simply a personal achievement but a symbol of the continent and generations of African artists whose creativity has influenced music around the world.
