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Angelique Kidjo has made history as the first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, adding another major achievement to a career spanning more than four decades.
The Beninese music icon and five-time Grammy Award winner was honoured on Tuesday, August 18, at a ceremony in Los Angeles attended by prominent figures from the global entertainment industry.
The Angelique Kidjo Hollywood Walk of Fame honour recognises her extraordinary contribution to music and her influence as one of Africa’s most important cultural ambassadors.
Angelique Kidjo dedicates historic honour to Africa
Kidjo, 66, dedicated the milestone to her family, team and Africa, highlighting the continent’s enormous influence on music around the world.
The recognition adds to a remarkable career that has produced 18 albums, five Grammy Awards and numerous international honours.
Over more than 40 years in music, Kidjo has built a reputation for blending African musical traditions with influences from around the world while using her platform to promote African culture.
Harvey Mason Jr praises Angelique Kidjo
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. paid tribute to Kidjo during the ceremony, describing her as a “rare artiste” and praising her ability to use music to connect people from different cultures.
His remarks highlighted Kidjo’s influence beyond her musical achievements and her role in bringing African sounds and stories to international audiences.
Willem Dafoe highlights Kidjo’s humanitarian work
Actor Willem Dafoe also celebrated Kidjo’s contribution to humanitarian causes, particularly through her work with the Batonga Foundation.
The organisation supports the education and empowerment of girls and young women in Africa, reflecting Kidjo’s longstanding commitment to social development.
Her advocacy has become an important part of her public identity, with the singer frequently using her international platform to speak about education, women’s empowerment and Africa’s future.
Another milestone in a remarkable career
The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition represents another landmark in a career defined by musical excellence, cultural advocacy and humanitarian work.
Kidjo has spent decades helping to position African music on the global stage while collaborating with leading musicians and artists from different parts of the world.
Her latest honour also represents a significant moment for African music, with one of the continent’s most influential voices receiving one of the entertainment industry’s most recognisable honours.
For Angelique Kidjo, the Hollywood star is not simply a personal achievement but another opportunity to celebrate Africa, its culture and the next generation of African talent.
