At a Glance
- Angélique Kidjo is the first African artist honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for global music excellence.
- Five-time Grammy winner blending Afrobeat, jazz, and funk into genre-defying global hits.
- Advocate for girls’ education and African culture through UNICEF and the Batonga Foundation.
Beninese music legend Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African artist awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a milestone for global recognition of African creativity.
Kidjo’s star, unveiled this week in Los Angeles, joins an illustrious lineup alongside icons such as Prince, Shaquille O’Neal, and Miley Cyrus—cementing her legacy as a pioneer whose influence transcends borders.
Three decades of redefining world music
Born in Cotonou, Benin, Kidjo has spent more than 30 years blending Afrobeat, jazz, funk, and Latin music into a vibrant, genre-defying sound. Since her early recordings, she has championed Pan-African identity while collaborating with luminaries like Alicia Keys and composer Philip Glass.
Her catalog, spanning more than a dozen albums, has earned widespread acclaim, including five Grammy Awards—an unprecedented feat for an African-born woman. On YouTube, her performances have attracted over 41 million views, reflecting her global fan base.
Cultural force and advocate
Beyond her artistry, Kidjo has become a leading voice for women’s empowerment, education, and cultural preservation. She serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation to support girls’ education across Africa.
The Walk of Fame star underscores not only her artistic achievements but also her role as an ambassador for African culture on the world stage.
Legacy of innovation
Kidjo’s versatility—seamlessly fusing traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds—has inspired generations of musicians and redefined perceptions of African music. Universally respected and celebrated, she remains a cultural force shaping a more inclusive global arts landscape.
With this latest honor, Kidjo affirms what audiences have long known: African excellence continues to transform world culture, one song at a time.
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