West African iconic singer and cultural ambassado Angelique Kidjo has made history as the first dark-skinned African woman to receive a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The 64-year-old Benin-born singer and five-time Grammy winner was named among 35 new honourees for the 2026 Walk of Fame, announced at a recent press conference.
Kidjo joins fellow African star Charlize Theron, who earned her star back in 2005. With over 2 700 stars on the Walk, Kidjo’s inclusion marks a significant milestone for African artists, celebrating their global impact on entertainment and culture. While the exact date for Kidjo’s star unveiling is yet to be announced, excitement is already building.
The star-studded list of 2026 honourees also includes major names like singer Miley Cyrus, actor Timothée Chalamet, actress Demi Moore, and former basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal.
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With a career spanning more than 40 years and 16 albums released, Angelique Kidjo has captivated audiences worldwide. Her powerful voice and unique ability to blend traditional West African music with funk, jazz, and R&B have earned her a devoted global fanbase.
Kidjo’s impressive roster of collaborators reads like a who’s who of music royalty, featuring the likes of Burna Boy, Philip Glass, Sting, and Alicia Keys. This honour on the Hollywood Walk of Fame not only celebrates her artistic legacy but also cements her status as a trailblazer for African musicians on the global stage.
