Beninese-French music icon Angélique Kidjo has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a historic milestone for African music. The ceremony took place on August 18, 2026, on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, where the singer became the first African female singer to receive the prestigious honour.
A historic moment on Hollywood Boulevard
At 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, crowds gathered to witness the unveiling of Kidjo’s star.
Dressed in a striking orange Imane Ayissi outfit and wearing a blue turban, the 66-year-old artist took centre stage as tributes to her extraordinary career began.
Actor Willem Dafoe and songwriter and producer Harvey Mason Jr. were among those who paid tribute to Kidjo, highlighting not only her musical achievements but also her influence far beyond the world of music.
With a career spanning more than four decades, Kidjo has released 18 albums, won five Grammy Awards and received the Polar Music Prize.
Rather than being uncomfortable with references to her longevity, the singer proudly embraces her journey.
“When I am on stage, I am in paradise,” she said.
And she demonstrated that passion during the ceremony, performing “Blewu”, the iconic song originally written and performed by Togolese singer Bella Bellow.
As her voice filled Hollywood Boulevard, the ceremony turned into an emotional celebration of African musical heritage.
An emotional tribute to her family
Kidjo’s star is the 2,854th on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but the honour was deeply personal for the singer.
When she finally saw her name engraved on the famous star, she broke down in tears.
“Breathe, Mum, breathe,” her daughter Naïma told her as she struggled to contain her emotions.
For someone known for her extraordinary stage presence and energy, the moment revealed a more vulnerable side of the artist.
Asked who she would have most wanted to share the news with, Kidjo immediately mentioned her mother, who died five years ago.
Her father also played a crucial role in the early stages of her career. At a time when no one was willing to invest in her first album, he reportedly used his retirement savings to support his daughter’s musical ambitions.
More than four decades later, Kidjo believes that both of her parents remain with her in spirit.
“They are still here, more than 40 years later, supporting me. I think it, I feel it: they are still here.”
Much of her family travelled to Los Angeles to share the historic occasion with her.
A milestone for African artists
For Kidjo, the star is not simply a personal achievement. She sees it as a door opening for other artists from the African continent.
During her first visit to Hollywood, she remembers looking at the names on the famous boulevard without imagining that one day her own name would appear among them.
Now, she hopes her achievement will inspire others.
“I hope other artists from the continent will also have their star. I wouldn’t like to remain alone.”
The message is clear: Angélique Kidjo may be the first African female singer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but she hopes she will not be the last.
Her historic recognition adds another chapter to a remarkable career that has carried the sounds and cultural richness of Africa to audiences around the world.
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