African music is about to get one of its biggest moments in Hollywood.
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo will make history on August 18, 2026, when she receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first African musician and first Black African performer to earn the prestigious honour.
The five-time Grammy winner will receive the 2,854th star in the Recording category during a ceremony in Hollywood, marking another major milestone in a career that has spanned more than four decades.
For Kidjo, the honour caps a remarkable journey that has taken her music from Benin to some of the biggest stages around the world.
The singer has built a reputation for blending West African sounds with genres including Afrobeat, jazz, funk and other global influences. Her career has also seen her collaborate with major international names, including Alicia Keys, Burna Boy, Peter Gabriel and John Legend.
Her achievements have already earned her five Grammy Awards, but the Hollywood recognition carries a different kind of weight.
It puts her name alongside some of the biggest entertainers whose contributions have become part of Hollywood’s cultural history.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced Kidjo as part of the Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, alongside other major names from music, film and entertainment. Her selection was first announced in 2025, with the Chamber now confirming the date for her star ceremony.
Kidjo has also used her global platform beyond music. Through her advocacy work and the Batonga Foundation, she has championed education and opportunities for girls in Africa.
The Walk of Fame honour therefore comes as more than another award for the celebrated singer. It represents a major moment for African music on one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment landmarks.
And Kidjo appears to see the achievement as a door-opener for others.
In an earlier interview about the honour, she said the recognition showed that the richness of African culture had resonated internationally and suggested that the door was now open for more Africans to follow.
After more than 40 years of making music, Kidjo is now preparing to leave another permanent mark in Hollywood.
This time, her name will be written in stone.
Angélique Kidjo’s star ceremony is scheduled for August 18, 2026, at 11:30 am Pacific Time.