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

Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo is set to make history on August 18, 2026, when she receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, becoming the first African artist to be honoured with a star in the Recording category.

Kidjo was selected as part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, which was announced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in July 2025. The official Walk of Fame list places her alongside international names including Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Air Supply and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony in the Recording category.

The upcoming ceremony represents another major milestone in a career that has stretched across more than four decades. Born in Ouidah, Benin, Kidjo has built an international reputation by blending West African musical traditions with jazz, funk, soul and other global sounds. She has won five Grammy Awards and has become one of Africa’s most recognised musical ambassadors.

Her influence extends beyond music. Kidjo has consistently used her international platform to advocate for education, women’s rights and opportunities for children across Africa. She is also the founder of the Batonga Foundation, which supports the education and empowerment of adolescent girls in Africa.

Her Hollywood recognition comes at a time when African music is commanding unprecedented international attention. Afrobeats, Amapiano and other African sounds have moved from regional markets into major global music charts, festivals and award ceremonies, creating new opportunities for African artists, producers, songwriters and creative businesses.

Kidjo’s own career has been an important part of that wider journey. Her music has crossed linguistic and cultural boundaries, while her collaborations have connected African sounds with some of the biggest names in international music.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has described the Class of 2026 honourees as individuals who have made significant contributions to entertainment. Kidjo’s selection therefore represents more than a personal achievement; it is also recognition of the growing influence of African music and culture in the international entertainment industry.

Her latest milestone comes as she continues to release new music. In April 2026, Kidjo released Hope!!, an album featuring collaborations with artists including Pharrell Williams, Nile Rodgers, Quavo, Davido and Ayra Starr.

For Africa’s rapidly expanding creative economy, Kidjo’s recognition carries a wider message. African artists are no longer simply exporting culture to the world; they are increasingly shaping global conversations around music, fashion, entertainment and identity.

As Kidjo prepares to take her place among the stars on Hollywood Boulevard, her achievement stands as a reminder of how far African creativity can travel when talent is matched with persistence, global collaboration and the courage to remain rooted in one’s identity.

Angélique Kidjo’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony will take place on August 18, 2026, in Los Angeles.

TNAM
By Egwu Patience Nnennaya
Monday August 10th, 2026.