Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African musician and first Black African performer to receive a star on the prestig
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African musician and first Black African performer to receive a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The four-time Grammy Award winner was honored with the 2,854th star on the famed Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, marking another major milestone in a career spanning more than four decades.
Kidjo arrived at the ceremony in a striking red boubou, reflecting the vibrant style that has become part of her signature image.
The emotional moment came when her star was unveiled. Overwhelmed with joy, the celebrated musician knelt beside the star in appreciation before shedding tears as she took in the significance of the honor.
She later received her official citation and posed for photographs beside her newly unveiled star, proudly celebrating the achievement.
The ceremony brought together notable figures from the global entertainment industry, including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Grammy- and Primetime Emmy-nominated songwriter and producer Harvey Mason Jr., who is also CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares.
Kidjo’s recognition on the Hollywood Walk of Fame adds her name to an exclusive list of entertainers whose work has made a lasting impact on global popular culture.
For more than 40 years, the Beninese singer, songwriter and activist has used her music to connect African sounds with audiences around the world, becoming one of the continent’s most celebrated musical ambassadors.
Her latest honor represents not only a personal achievement but also a landmark moment for African music and Black African representation on one of Hollywood’s most iconic landmarks.