Beninese global music icon and multi-Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has been announced as one of the recipients of a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2026, making her the first African artist in history to receive this distinction.
The announcement was made by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, placing the five-time Grammy Award winner alongside international entertainers such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and Shaquille O’Neal.
Kidjo’s illustrious career spans more than four decades, during which she has emerged as one of Africa’s most formidable musical exports. Known for her distinctive voice and eclectic style, she blends Afrobeat, traditional West African music, funk, jazz, and Latin influences to deliver a sound that is both authentic and globally resona
Her discography includes acclaimed albums such as Logozo (1991), Black Ivory Soul (2002), Eve (2014), Celia (2019), and the Grammy-winning Mother Nature (2021). These projects have not only earned her international awards but have also helped introduce African rhythms to mainstream audiences worldwide.
In recent years, Kidjo has become increasingly engaged with emerging African talents, bridging generations and genres through collaborative projects. Mother Nature, for example, featured appearances from Burna Boy and Yemi Alade, while her subsequent work included collaborations with Mr Eazi, Davido, and others. In 2023, she collaborated with Davido on the hit single “Na Money”, and in 2024, she released “Joy”, a vibrant pan-African anthem celebrating unity and resilience
Beyond her music, Kidjo is a committed humanitarian. She serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is the founder of the Batonga Foundation, which advocates for the education and empowerment of adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this work, she has continued to leverage her platform to amplify the voices of under-represented individuals and social causes across the continent.
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