Angélique Kidjo Hailed as the First African Musician to Receive a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On Tuesday, Aug. 18, the five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo made history as the first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Born in Benin, Kidjo has carved her own path to success with an international career spanning more than 40 years and 18 albums. 

The 66-year-old musician was among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. The artist was also nominated as one of Africa’s 50 most iconic figures by the BBC. Adding to her list of accolades, she was one of the 100 most inspiring people in the world by The Guardian. 

Angélique Kidjo Receives Walk of Fame Star

Angélique Kidjo received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Aug. 18 at 11:30 in a ceremony at 7011 Hollywood Blvd. According to Reuters, she became the first African musician and the first Black African artist to receive a star. The Beninese-French singer was honored at a ceremony in Los Angeles in the presence of film stars and leading figures from the music industry. According to OkayAfrica, Kidjo received the 2,854th star. The artist told AFP, “I may be the first African female singer to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but I am convinced that I will not be the last. Many others will follow, and that fills my heart with joy.”

She has sold nearly four million albums worldwide, won five Grammys, and wrote a bestselling autobiography, “Spirit Rising,” with its foreword by Desmond Tutu. Through a press release, Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez stated that Angelique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents. It further read, ““We are proud to honor her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognising her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world.”