Angelique Kidjo has added another landmark achievement to her illustrious career after becoming the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The five-time Grammy winner was honoured on Tuesday, August 18, during a ceremony in Los Angeles, where her star was unveiled along Hollywood Boulevard.
The recognition celebrates more than four decades of a career that has taken the sounds and rhythms of West Africa to audiences around the world.
Born in Benin, the 66-year-old singer has released 18 albums and built an international following through songs such as “Agolo,” “Wombo Lombo,” “Adouma,” “We We” and “Afrika”. Her music has blended West African traditions with elements of jazz, pop, funk and other global sounds, helping establish her as one of Africa’s most influential musical exports.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kidjo used the moment to reflect on Africa’s contribution to the world’s music.
“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world. Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet,” she said.
Her achievement was celebrated by prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy chief executive Harvey Mason Jr.
Mason praised Kidjo for building bridges across musical cultures and using her career to bring people together.
He described her as a rare artist whose influence extends beyond her recordings, noting that her example has helped strengthen the global music community.
Dafoe, who has watched Kidjo perform, also praised her energy and dedication to her craft.
He recalled being struck by her music, dancing and stage presence the first time he saw her perform and described her as one of the hardest-working women in show business.
Kidjo’s influence, however, stretches beyond music.
Through the Batonga Foundation, she has championed education and opportunities for girls and young women across Africa. Her humanitarian work has become an important part of her legacy alongside her efforts to introduce African culture to new audiences.
Dafoe said her activism was closely connected to the message carried through her music, describing it as an extension of her belief in human connection and understanding.
Kidjo has also received recognition beyond the Grammy Awards, including being named among Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Over the years, she has collaborated with musicians from different cultures and musical backgrounds while continuing to draw inspiration from her African roots.
Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star now adds another distinction to a career that has consistently pushed African music onto the global stage.
For African music, the honour carries significance beyond Kidjo herself. Her star represents a growing recognition of the continent’s artists and the musical traditions that have influenced popular music around the world.
And after more than 40 years of songs, performances and advocacy, Kidjo now has a permanent place on one of the world’s most famous entertainment landmarks.
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