Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First Black African Artist to Receive Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is about to get a major upgrade. On August 18, Beninese icon Angélique Kidjo will etch her name into Hollywood Boulevard’s storied concrete, becoming the first Black African artist ever to receive this prestigious honor. The ceremony kicks off at 11:30am PT at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, where the five-time Grammy winner will unveil the 2,854th star in the Recording category—a moment that resonates far beyond one artist’s achievement.

Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez captured the magnitude perfectly: “Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents.” She’ll be joined at the ceremony by actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., both there to witness a barrier finally breaking. Until now, South African actress Charlize Theron (honored in 2005) held the distinction of being the only African-born star on the Walk of Fame. Kidjo’s star shifts that narrative entirely, representing the continent’s musical brilliance in a way that’s long overdue.

Born in 1960 in what was then Dahomey, Kidjo’s journey spans continents and genres. After releasing her debut album Pretty in 1981, she fled to Paris in 1983 during political upheaval, eventually settling in Brooklyn where she built an empire. Across 18 albums and four decades, she’s masterfully woven West African traditions with funk, jazz, and R&B, collaborating with everyone from Burna Boy and Davido to Sting and Alicia Keys. Her recent work with Ayra Starr on “Aye Kan” and Davido on “Joy” proves she remains a bridge between generations of African artists. She’s also made her mark on screen, appearing in The Woman King with her powerful duet “Keep Rising” featured on the soundtrack. Beyond music, she’s a tireless advocate for education and children’s rights across Africa, using her platform to create tangible change.

This isn’t just Kidjo’s star—it’s a beacon for African music on the world’s most famous sidewalk, planted exactly where it belongs.

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