Angelique Kidjo Makes History As First Black African To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk of Fame

Beninese music icon Angelique Kidjo was immortalized on Tuesday as the first Black African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, capping more than four decades of global influence in music and humanitarian work.

The five-time Grammy winner unveiled her star in a ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard, attended by industry leaders, fellow artists, and fans who gathered under the California sun to honor her contributions to music and culture.

“Without us, there’s no music”

Speaking at the unveiling, the 66-year-old Kidjo reflected on Africa’s impact on the world.

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

She thanked her family, team, and supporters before breaking into song, drawing applause from the crowd that included actors, musicians, and executives.

Born in Cotonou, Benin, Kidjo has released 18 albums over a career spanning more than 40 years. She blends Afrobeat, jazz, funk, and traditional West African sounds, and sings in multiple languages including Fon, French, Yoruba, and English.

Her collaborations range from Philip Glass and Carlos Santana to Alicia Keys and Burna Boy, making her one of Africa’s most internationally recognized voices.

Beyond music, Kidjo has been named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, one of the BBC’s 50 Most Iconic Figures in Africa, and one of The Guardian’s 100 Most Inspiring People in the World

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, presented remarks at the ceremony and called Kidjo a “rare artist” whose influence extends far beyond record sales.

“Your example has elevated our global music community, and your work continues to remind us that music is more than entertainment; it’s connection,” Mason said.

“This star is a permanent symbol. It’s not going anywhere. It’s a symbol of your achievements. But your legacy lives in the people that you’ve touched, that you’ve inspired, the barriers that you’ve broken, the connections you’ve created all around the world.

“The first time I saw Angelique perform live, I thought her music, her dancing, her commitment were incredible,” Dafoe said. “She is, without a doubt, the hardest-working woman in show business.

For Dafoe and many others, Kidjo’s most lasting impact may be off stage. She founded the Batonga Foundation in 2006, an organization that works to empower adolescent girls and young women in Africa through education and leadership programs.

“This is not a token celebrity involvement,” Dafoe said. “It is an extension of what she does with her music. She stirs us, lifts us up, and reminds us that we’re all connected, and that love and understanding is the way.”

Through Batonga, Kidjo has supported thousands of girls in Benin and across West Africa, providing scholarships, mentorship, and advocacy for girls’ rights. She has often said that music and activism are inseparable for her.

“I sing to give people joy, but I also sing to remind them of their power,” she said in a previous interview. “When a girl goes to school, the whole community rises.”

Kidjo’s star is located on Hollywood Boulevard, joining more than 2,700 stars honoring figures in music, film, and television. While other African-born artists have been honored in the past, she is the first Black African musician to receive the recognition.

The announcement of her selection earlier this year was met with celebration across the continent. In Benin, the government declared the day of the ceremony a moment of national pride. Fans in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg hosted viewing parties

For many, the honor represents a broader shift in how African artistry is recognized globally. For decades, African music was often categorized as “world music.” Today, Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African sounds dominate global charts.

Kidjo has been at the forefront of that movement, paving the way long before streaming made African music accessible worldwide.

Kidjo said she sees the star not as a finish line, but as motivation to keep working. She is currently touring and working on new music, while expanding Batonga’s programs.

“I’m 66 and I’m just getting started,” she joked during the ceremony. “There are still girls to educate, songs to sing, and stories to tell.”

Ron Frierson, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said Kidjo’s star would serve as inspiration for years to come.This star represents excellence, perseverance, and the power of culture to unite us,” he said.

As the ceremony ended, Kidjo posed for photos on her star, surrounded by family and colleagues. For an artist who has spent her life bridging cultures through music, the moment was both personal and historic.

From Cotonou to Hollywood, Angelique Kidjo’s journey is now literally set in stone on one of the world’s most famous streets