Five-time Grammy winner Angelique Kidjo reached a historic milestone on Tuesday, becoming the very first Black African artist to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 66-year-old Beninese singer celebrated the momentous occasion during a star-studded ceremony along the iconic boulevard, surrounded by palm trees, film stars, and prominent figures from the music industry.
“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world,” Kidjo stated during the ceremony. “Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet.” Following her speeches thanking her family and professional team, she broke into song, captivating the gathered audience.
Kidjo’s career spans more than four decades and features an impressive discography of 18 albums. Her widespread cultural impact has previously earned her a spot on Time magazine’s 100 most influential people list, as well as recognitions from the BBC as one of Africa’s 50 most iconic figures and The Guardian as one of the world’s 100 most inspiring people.
Industry leaders and celebrity peers gathered to pay tribute to her legacy. Recording Academy chief Harvey Mason Jr. described Kidjo as a “rare artist.”
“Your example has elevated our global music community, and your work continues to remind us that music is more than entertainment; it’s connection,” Mason said. “This star is a permanent symbol; it’s not going anywhere, and it’s a symbol of your achievements. But your legacy, it lives in the people that you’ve touched, that you’ve inspired, the barriers that you’ve broken, the connections you’ve created all around the world.”
Actor Willem Dafoe highlighted her electrifying live performances and passionate advocacy. “The first time I saw Angelique perform live, I thought her music, her dancing, her commitment were incredible,” the Platoon actor remarked. “She is, without a doubt, the hardest-working woman in show business.”
Dafoe emphasized that her humanitarian work with her Batonga Foundation, which focuses on empowering young African women and girls, is equally remarkable. “This is not a token celebrity involvement; it is an extension of what she does with her music. She stirs us, lifts us up, and reminds us that we’re all connected, and that love and understanding is the way.”
