Renowned Beninese singer and global music legend, Angélique Kidjo, has made history by becoming the first African artist ever selected for a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce confirmed her selection on Wednesday during an official announcement unveiling the Class of 2026.
Kidjo will now join an elite group of global entertainers—including Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Shaquille O’Neal, Deepika Padukone, and Broadway legend Lea Salonga—who will receive stars along the iconic boulevard in Los Angeles. The announcement follows a rigorous selection process conducted by the Walk of Fame’s board of directors, who ratified the honourees’ list on June 25 after evaluating hundreds of global nominations.
Under the rules, all selected celebrities must schedule their star unveiling ceremony within two years of being chosen.
A Four-Decade Musical Journey That Redefined African Sound
Born in 1960 in Cotonou, Benin, Kidjo rose to global prominence with a musical career that has spanned more than 40 years. Her unique style blends Afrobeat, jazz, funk, and traditional West African rhythms. Through this fusion, she has consistently defied genre boundaries and cultural expectations, establishing herself as a global music ambassador for Africa.
Her influential discography includes critically acclaimed albums such as Logozo (1991), Black Ivory Soul (2002), Eve (2014), Celia (2019), and Mother Nature (2021)—the latter winning a Grammy Award. These projects not only brought African music into mainstream global consciousness but also served as powerful platforms for social commentary, environmental advocacy, and gender empowerment.
Kidjo has also collaborated with an array of international stars over the years. Her artistic partnerships include performances with Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Bono, and Peter Gabriel, as well as recent collaborations with Afrobeat stars like Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi, and Davido.
In 2023, she and Davido released the widely celebrated track Na Money, which became a major hit across Africa. That success was followed in 2024 by Joy, an anthem of hope and unity for the continent.
Championing Girls’ Education and Human Rights
Beyond her exceptional contributions to music, Angélique Kidjo is a globally respected humanitarian. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she has campaigned tirelessly for gender equality, access to quality education, and the protection of children’s rights—especially for girls in sub-Saharan Africa.
She also founded the Batonga Foundation, an organization committed to empowering adolescent girls in rural Benin and other parts of Africa by providing them with access to secondary education and vocational training. Her impact through the foundation has transformed the lives of thousands of girls by equipping them with the tools they need to build better futures.
In recognition of her advocacy and humanitarian work, Kidjo has received accolades from prominent global institutions such as TIME Magazine, BBC, and Amnesty International.
Global Recognition for a Continental Pioneer
Reacting to the announcement, Peter Roth, chairman of the Hollywood Walk of Fame selection committee, praised the honourees, saying: “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honour them with this well-deserved recognition.”
Other notable names on the 2026 honourees list include actress Emily Blunt, Oscar-winner Rami Malek, music artist Josh Groban, rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was the sole recipient in the sports entertainment category.
With this honour, Angélique Kidjo cements her legacy not only as a music icon but also as a cultural ambassador and tireless advocate for Africa. Her upcoming star on the Walk of Fame will stand as a symbol of her trailblazing influence and a historic milestone for African representation in global entertainment.
