Angélique Kidjo Makes History as the First Black African on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Benin-born icon Angélique Kidjo has just been announced as the first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a historic honor that places her among global legends and gives Africa another powerful voice on the world stage.

Born in Ouidah, Benin in 1960, Kidjo grew up surrounded by traditional music, jazz, soul, and rock. Encouraged by her artist mother and musician father, she began performing at a young age. She moved to Paris in the 1980s to escape political instability, originally studying law before music called her fully. After joining jazz bands and releasing her debut solo album in 1990, she struck gold in 1991 with a deal from Island Records. She quickly became one of Africa’s most influential artists, known for her powerful voice, multilingual lyrics, and electrifying performances.

For over four decades, she has blended afrobeat, jazz, funk, and world music, collaborating with global legends like Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Bono and more recently with Afrobeats stars Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Davido, and Mr Eazi.

Kidjo is the most awarded African musician in history, boasting five Grammy wins and twelve nominations, including for Best Global Music Album for Celia (2020) and Mother Nature (2022). Her earlier albums—Djin Djin (2008), Eve (2014), Sings (2016) also earned Grammys, while her memoir, Spirit Rising, garnered praise from figures like Desmond Tutu and Alicia Keys. 

A significant moment in her career came when she lent her voice to Disney’s The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride (1998). She performed the soulful anthem “We Are One”, a poignant father-daughter moment between Simba and Kiara. Her voice brought authentic African warmth and spiritual energy to a beloved film franchise 

Beyond music, she’s a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation to empower African girls through education 

Angélique Kidjo has always been a star now the world has carved that truth into Hollywood’s most famous pavement. Her journey from Benin to Beverly Hills is more than inspiring. It’s legendary.

Hollywood’s Walk of Fame is a marker of enduring global influence. Kidjo’s inclusion (Class of 2026) not only celebrates her artistry but signals a breakthrough in representation for Black Africans.

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