Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African musician and first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, adding one of the entertainment industry’s most recognizable honors to a career that has taken African music to audiences around the world.

The five-time Grammy Award winner was honored Tuesday in Los Angeles, where she received the 2,854th star in the Recording category. The ceremony brought together musicians, actors and industry leaders to celebrate a career built on music, cultural pride and collaborations that have crossed borders and generations.

Kidjo was part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, announced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in July 2025. She was selected alongside artists including Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Lyle Lovett and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

A celebration of African music

Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. joined Kidjo at the ceremony. Benin-born actor Djimon Hounsou and Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold were also in attendance.

Hollywood officials also declared Aug. 18 “Angélique Kidjo Day” in recognition of the occasion. For Kidjo, the honor was bigger than a personal achievement. She has previously said the star belongs not only to her but also to Africa and the artists who continue to bring the continent’s music and stories to international audiences.

That message has been central to Kidjo’s career. Born in Cotonou, Benin, she has spent more than four decades combining African rhythms with Afrobeat, jazz, funk and Latin influences. Her music has allowed her to work across genres while keeping African culture and identity at the heart of her sound.

Her career includes collaborations with artists and composers such as Alicia Keys and Philip Glass, as well as more than a dozen albums that have earned critical acclaim and a global audience.

A career beyond music

Kidjo’s five Grammy Awards have made her one of the most decorated African-born women in the history of the awards. Her performances have also drawn more than 50 million views on YouTube, reflecting the reach of her music beyond Africa.

Her work has extended well beyond the stage. Kidjo has used her public profile to advocate for girls’ education, women’s empowerment and the preservation of African culture. She serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation, which supports education for girls across Africa.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition adds another major achievement to that record. For a new generation of African musicians, Kidjo’s career offers a clear example of how artists can reach global audiences without setting aside where they come from. Her music has remained closely tied to African culture while finding a place in some of the world’s biggest entertainment markets.

Her star on Hollywood Boulevard is therefore more than a marker of personal success. It reflects the growing recognition of African artists in the international entertainment industry and the lasting influence of a musician who has spent decades making Africa part of the global musical conversation.