Angélique Kidjo, the Grammy-winning Beninese-French singer and activist, will become the first African recording artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The announcement came during a press conference held by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce on July 2 at Ovation Hollywood.
Kidjo, 64, joins the 2026 Walk of Fame class alongside 35 other entertainers, including Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, The Clark Sisters, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
She responded to the news in a post to her 750,000 Instagram followers:
“Thanks to all my fans who brought me here.”
The star will be placed in the Recordings category. A date for the ceremony has not yet been confirmed. Honorees have two years to schedule the unveiling.
Kidjo is the second African-born woman on the Walk of Fame, following South African actress Charlize Theron, who was honored in 2005.
A global career rooted in West Africa
Born in Ouidah, Benin, on July 14, 1960, Kidjo’s music blends traditional West African sounds with American R&B, funk, jazz, and elements from Latin America and Europe.
Her career spans four decades and includes five Grammy Awards and the 2023 Polar Music Prize. She has worked with a range of artists, from Burna Boy to Sting and Philip Glass.
Outside of music, she is widely recognized for her advocacy work on climate justice, gender equality, and cultural diplomacy.
“A symbol of African excellence”
Peter Roth, chair of the Walk of Fame selection committee, said in a statement:
“These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honour them with this well-deserved recognition.”
Kidjo’s honor represents a milestone for African representation in global entertainment. Her voice, both musical and political, has earned international acclaim.
She was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2021. The BBC included her among the 50 most iconic African figures, and Forbes ranked her as the top woman on its list of the Most Powerful African Celebrities.
Her other accolades include the 2015 Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum, the 2016 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award, and the 2023 Vilcek Prize in Music.
A class with global reach
Other international artists in the 2026 class include Deepika Padukone (India), Lea Salonga (Philippines), Lucero (Mexico), Paulinho da Costa (Brazil), and Emily Blunt (UK).
When her star is finally unveiled, Kidjo will join more than 2,700 others honored for their impact on culture and entertainment — but she will stand alone as the first from the African continent in her category.
