Angélique Kidjo to Make History as First Black African Artist on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo will be honoured with the 2,854th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18 at 11:30 a.m. PT*, at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, across from the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

The Beninese music legend will receive her star in the Recording category, becoming the *first Black African artist* ever to be honoured on the Walk. The milestone places Kidjo alongside global icons and marks a major moment for African music on the world stage.

She will be joined at the ceremony by four-time Academy Award nominee *Willem Dafoe* and *Harvey Mason Jr.*, CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares.

“Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents,” said Hollywood Walk of Fame producer *Ana Martinez*. “We are proud to honour her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognising her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world.”

Born in 1960 in Dahomey, now the Republic of Benin, Kidjo released her debut album _Pretty_ in 1981 before relocating to Paris in 1983 and later settling in Brooklyn, New York. Over more than four decades she has released 18 albums that fuse West African traditions with funk, jazz, and R&B.

Her accolades include five Grammy Awards and a spot on TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People list. She has collaborated with *Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Sting, Alicia Keys*, and *Philip Glass*, and contributed the duet “Keep Rising” to the soundtrack of _The Woman King_.

Beyond music, Kidjo is a leading advocate for children’s rights and education across Africa.

Until now, white South African actress *Charlize Theron* was the only African-born star on the Walk, having received hers in 2005. Kidjo’s induction represents a historic first for Black African musicians and a broader recognition of African talent in global entertainment.