Angelique Kidjo Makes History as First Black African Honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Five-time Grammy Award winner Angelique Kidjo has added another major milestone to an illustrious career spanning more than four decades, becoming the first Black African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Benin-born singer was honoured in a ceremony in Los Angeles, where she was celebrated by leading figures from the music and film industries for her extraordinary contribution to global music and humanitarian work.

At 66, Kidjo has released 18 albums and built an international career that has made her one of Africa's most influential musical ambassadors. She has been recognised by Time magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential people, while the BBC has named her among Africa's 50 most iconic figures.

She has also been recognised by The Guardian among the world's 100 most inspiring people.

Her latest honour places her name alongside some of the biggest stars in global entertainment, marking another milestone in her journey from Benin to the international stage.

Speaking at the ceremony, Kidjo reflected on Africa's enormous contribution to global music.

“We Africans don't know what we've given to the world. Without us, there's no music possible on this planet.”

Music industry leaders praised both her artistic achievements and her influence beyond music.

Harvey Mason Jr., head of the Recording Academy, described Kidjo as a “rare artist”, saying her work had strengthened connections within the global music community and helped break barriers.

Actor Willem Dafoe also praised her extraordinary stage presence, describing her music, dancing and commitment as remarkable.

Beyond her music career, Kidjo has devoted significant energy to humanitarian work through her Batonga Foundation, which focuses on empowering girls and young women in Africa.

Dafoe described her humanitarian commitment as an extension of her artistic mission, while praising her as one of the hardest-working women in show business.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame honour therefore represents more than recognition of a celebrated musician. It is also a landmark moment for African music on one of the world's most prominent entertainment stages ,and another chapter in Kidjo's decades-long effort to bring African culture, music and social causes to a global audience.