Angelique Kidjo has become the first African artist in history to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The five-time GRAMMY-winning singer and global music icon is among the Class of 2026 honorees announced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, cementing her legacy as one of the most influential cultural figures of our time.
With a career spanning more than four decades and 16 albums, Kidjo has built an international following through her powerful voice and fearless fusion of West African rhythms with funk, jazz, and R&B. Her artistic versatility has led to collaborations with major talents such as Burna Boy, Philip Glass, Sting, and Alicia Keys. At 64, the Benin-born artist continues to inspire through her music and advocacy, breaking barriers that few African musicians have crossed.
“We are excited to announce the newest selections of esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame as part of the prestigious Class of 2026,” said Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the selection committee. “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”
Kidjo’s journey is a powerful story of resilience. She left Benin for Paris in 1983, seeking artistic freedom from her country’s then-communist regime. There, she began as a backing vocalist before launching her solo career in 1990. Outside of music, she has become a force for humanitarian work, serving as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and Oxfam, and founding the Batonga Foundation to support the education of girls in Africa.
While a date for her Walk of Fame ceremony is yet to be announced, the recognition already marks a significant moment in history. It not only celebrates Kidjo’s individual achievements, but also amplifies the global impact of African music and storytelling in mainstream culture.
