Angélique Kidjo is making history—again.
The legendary Beninese singer, known for her powerhouse vocals and boundary-breaking music, has been named one of the honorees set to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2026. She’ll become the very first African artist ever to earn this iconic recognition.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce shared the news, placing Kidjo’s name alongside global stars like Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and Shaquille O’Neal on next year’s list of recipients.
With a career stretching over 40 years, Kidjo has built a legacy that goes far beyond awards. Her sound—a bold, brilliant fusion of Afrobeat, West African tradition, funk, jazz, and Latin flavor—has turned heads around the world. Albums like Logozo, Black Ivory Soul, Eve, Celia, and the Grammy-winning Mother Nature have introduced global audiences to the heart of African music.
⭐️Angelique Kidjo is the first African artist in history to be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame!https://t.co/2ByFcbWiiA pic.twitter.com/iFkWtnBv03
— Angelique Kidjo (@angeliquekidjo) July 3, 2025
In recent years, she’s been a champion of rising African voices, collaborating with the likes of Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, and Davido. Their 2023 collaboration “Na Money” was a fan favorite, and in 2024, she dropped Joy, a celebration of pan-African pride and spirit.
But Kidjo’s voice resonates far beyond the stage. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founder of the Batonga Foundation, she’s been a powerful advocate for girls’ education and empowerment across sub-Saharan Africa. Her mission? To make sure the next generation of African girls has every opportunity to lead, create, and thrive.
Now, as she prepares to leave her mark—literally—on Hollywood Boulevard, it’s clear that Angélique Kidjo’s impact is as bold and unforgettable as her music.