Los Angeles — Grammy Award-winning Beninese-French singer and global music icon Angélique Kidjo is set to make history as the first African artist to receive a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, under the Recordings category.
The announcement was made during a live press conference hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce at Ovation Hollywood on July 2. Kidjo joins an elite list of 35 global entertainers named to the Walk of Fame Class of 2026, which includes fellow Grammy winners Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, The Clark Sisters, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Kidjo, celebrated for her electrifying stage presence and unique fusion of Afrobeat, funk, jazz, and traditional African rhythms, expressed her excitement on social media, writing:
“Angelique Kidjo is the first African artist in history to be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!”
With a career spanning four decades, Kidjo has won five Grammy Awards, the 2023 Polar Music Prize, and has collaborated with artists ranging from Carlos Santana to Burna Boy. She is widely recognised not only for her music but also for her activism, particularly around women’s rights and climate justice.
Born in Ouidah, Benin, on July 14, 1960, Kidjo’s influence transcends music. In recent years, she has also been a powerful voice for cultural diplomacy and global development. Her upcoming star will represent not only her achievements but also a significant milestone for African representation in global entertainment history.
A Global Celebration
In his remarks, 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.”
The exact date of the ceremony has not yet been announced, but recipients have two years to schedule their official unveiling. When it does happen, Kidjo’s star will shine as a symbol of African excellence, inspiring generations of artists from the continent and the diaspora.
Other international honorees in the 2026 Walk of Fame class include Deepika Padukone (India), Lea Salonga (Philippines), Lucero (Mexico), Paulinho da Costa (Brazil), and Emily Blunt (UK).
