Angélique Kidjo Makes History as First Black African Artist on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Grammy-winning singer Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first Black African artist to be inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The celebrated West African performer from Benin joins the Walk of Fame’s 2026 class alongside stars like Shaquille O’Neal, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Clark Sisters, and ABC News anchor Robin Roberts. “Thanks to all my fans who brought me here,” Kidjo shared on Instagram following the announcement. While the exact date of her ceremony is yet to be announced, recipients typically have two years to schedule their induction.
Born in 1960 in what was then Dahomey (now Benin), Kidjo began her journey in the arts studying music, drama, and dance. She released her debut album Pretty in 1981 but left for Paris two years later to escape the political unrest under the country’s communist regime. “From the moment the communist regime arrived in Benin, I became aware that the freedom we enjoy can be snatched away in a second,” she once told the BBC. Her move marked the start of a global musical journey that would eventually land her in Brooklyn, New York.
In Brooklyn, Kidjo released a trilogy of albums—Oremi, Black Ivory Soul, and Oyaya!—celebrating the musical connections between Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. Her groundbreaking artistry has earned her numerous accolades, including a spot on TIME’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2021 and the prestigious Polar Music Prize in 2023. She also appeared in The Woman King, contributing the duet “Keep Rising” with Jessy Wilson to the film’s soundtrack. Now, with her star on Hollywood Boulevard, Kidjo's global influence is etched into history.







