Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The five-time Grammy winner became the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive the prestigious honour during a ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday, August 18.
Kidjo received the 2,854th star in the Recording category, adding one of Hollywood’s most recognisable honours to a career that has spanned more than four decades.
The 66-year-old singer, who was born in Benin, has built a global career by bringing African sounds to international audiences.
At the ceremony, actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. joined other guests in celebrating Kidjo’s achievement.
Kidjo also used the moment to reflect on Africa’s contribution to global music.
We Africans do not know what we have given to the world. Without us, there is no music possible on this planet.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also declared August 18 “Angélique Kidjo Day” in Hollywood.
With her star now permanently placed on Hollywood Boulevard, Kidjo has secured a historic place on one of the world’s most famous entertainment landmarks.