Global music icon Angélique Kidjo is officially stepping into Tinseltown royalty. The five-time Grammy winner is set to receive a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a landmark moment as she becomes the first Black African performer and first African musician to earn a spot on the famous landmark.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that Kidjo will be honored with the 2,854th star in the Recording category during an official dedication ceremony on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 11:30 AM PT. The star will be unveiled at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, directly across the street from the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
A Star-Studded Ceremony Lineup
The unveiling promises to draw industry heavyweights, international press, and cultural icons to Hollywood Boulevard.
- Emcee: Variety Senior Correspondent Angelique Jackson will host the livestreamed ceremony.
- Guest Speakers: Four-time Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe—a long-time friend and fan of Kidjo—will take the podium alongside Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy and MusiCares.
- Global Livestream: Fans worldwide can stream the entire dedication live exclusively on the official Walk of Fame website (walkoffame.com).
“Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents,” said Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez in a statement. “We are proud to honor her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world.”
Four Decades of Musical Brilliance
The honor comes at a defining moment for African pop culture, as Afrobeats and global sounds continue to dominate international charts and sell out major U.S. arenas. Over a four-decade career, the 64-year-old Beninese singer paved the way for generations of talent, effortlessly fusing West African rhythms like Fon and Yoruba music with American jazz, funk, R&B, and Latin soundscapes.
With 18 studio albums under her belt, Kidjo’s star power extends far beyond her five Grammy wins. Her list of legendary collaborators spans genres and eras—including Philip Glass, Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Burna Boy, Peter Gabriel, Sting, and Pharrell Williams.
A Busy Summer for the Icon
The Walk of Fame honors coincide with a massive summer for the music legend. Kidjo recently dropped her latest studio album, HOPE!!, dedicated to her late mother. The star-studded LP features powerhouse guest spots from Nile Rodgers, Quavo, Ayra Starr, Davido, Charlie Wilson, and PJ Morton.
Outside the studio, Kidjo remains a powerhouse humanitarian, continuing her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and leading her Batonga Foundation to empower and educate young women across Benin and Senegal.
Reflecting on her milestone week, Kidjo shared: “I started singing when I was six years old, and I’m grateful every day that I still get to live my passion and do what I love with my life.”
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