Angélique Kidjo Makes History With Hollywood Walk of Fame Star.
Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has added another historic achievement to her remarkable career after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 2026.
The honour recognizes a career spanning more than four decades and places Kidjo among the most celebrated African musicians on the global stage. She becomes the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking another significant milestone in her international career. Her latest achievement follows years of breaking boundaries through music that connects West African traditions with jazz, funk, soul, reggae and other international sounds.
Kidjo’s career has been particularly distinguished at the GRAMMY Awards, where she has earned five wins from 16 nominations. Her Grammy-winning albums include Djin Djin, Eve, Sings, Celia and Mother Nature. Her fifth and most recent Grammy win came in 2022, when Mother Nature won Best Global Music Album. She was also nominated at the 2026 GRAMMYs for Best Global Music Performance with “JERUSALEMA.”
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Her international career gained momentum after she moved from Benin to Paris in 1983. She later signed with Island Records and gained wider recognition in the 1990s through songs including “Agolo” and “Batonga.” Her music continued to evolve as she explored different African traditions and collaborated with major international artists.
Kidjo has also remained closely connected to the next generation of African music. Her collaborations have included Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, with whom she worked on “Do Yourself,” as well as renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma on “Blewu.” Her Mother Nature album further highlighted her commitment to connecting established African voices with younger artists.
Beyond music, Kidjo has used her global platform for social impact. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she has advocated for children and education, while her Batonga Foundation supports educational opportunities for girls in Africa.
Her Hollywood Walk of Fame star therefore represents more than another award. It reflects decades of musical innovation, cultural advocacy and her role in bringing African music and stories to audiences around the world.
From Benin to Paris, the GRAMMY stage and now Hollywood Boulevard, Angélique Kidjo’s journey continues to stand as one of the most significant success stories in African music.
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