Angélique Kidjo Becomes First Black African Woman Honoured on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Angélique Kidjo

Internationally acclaimed musician Angélique Kidjo has etched her name into entertainment history by becoming the first Black African woman selected to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 64-year-old Beninese icon is among 35 honourees inducted into the Walk of Fame Class of 2026, a list that also includes megastars such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.

“Angélique Kidjo is Africa’s premier diva,” said organizers at the Los Angeles press conference unveiling this year’s honourees. “Her impact on global music cannot be overstated.”

A Career That Transcends Borders and Genres

Kidjo’s four-decade-long career has seen her release 16 albums, collect five Grammy Awards, and collaborate with music giants such as Sting, Alicia Keys, Burna Boy, and Carlos Santana. Her sound—an energetic fusion of West African rhythms, funk, jazz, and R&B—has earned her accolades from critics and fans alike. Her groundbreaking presence now makes her the second African-born figure on the famed boulevard, following South African actress Charlize Theron, who was honoured in 2005.

From Cotonou to California

Born in Cotonou, Benin, Kidjo fled her homeland in 1983 amid political repression under a Marxist-Leninist regime, relocating to Paris, where she began her rise as a backing singer before launching her solo career with the 1990 album Parakou.

“From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second,” she told the BBC in a 2023 interview.

More Than Music: A Voice for Justice

Beyond her music, Kidjo is a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador, and the founder of the Batonga Foundation, which works to empower young girls across Africa through education and mentorship. Her activism has earned her global respect not only as a performer but also as a powerful advocate for gender equality and youth empowerment.

Recognition Long Overdue

This Hollywood honour represents a long-overdue global recognition of African women in the arts. While the Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,700 stars, only a handful belong to Africans—an imbalance Kidjo’s historic induction begins to redress.

“This isn’t just about me. It’s about opening the door for others,” Kidjo once said about her global recognition.

Conclusion

As Kidjo prepares to receive her star in 2026, the world celebrates not just an artist, but a trailblazer, a humanitarian, and a cultural bridge between Africa and the global stage. Her presence on the Hollywood Walk of Fame signals a growing appreciation for African artistry—and a shift toward a more inclusive celebration of global talent.