Angélique Kidjo Becomes First Black African on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Angélique Kidjo just made history. On July 3, 2025, it was announced that Kidjo will be getting her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This makes her the first Black African artist ever to earn the honor.

This marks a historic milestone for African music and culture. For too long, Black African voices have been overlooked in global entertainment. Kidjo’s star changes that. It is a bright, loud reminder that talent from the continent belongs in the spotlight, not on the sidelines.

The Beninese-French singer and actress will be honored under the Recording category, the same as pop giants like Miley Cyrus and gospel legends The Clark Sisters.

Kidjo / IG / Angélique Kidjo’s music is soaked in her Beninese roots. You can hear the rhythm of traditional Zinli drums and the fire of African storytelling in every beat.

Only a few African artists have ever received this nod. Charlize Theron, who got her star in 2005, is one. But Kidjo? She is the first Black African to earn a spot. That means something.

An Evergreen Career

Angélique Kidjo didn’t get here overnight. Her career spans over 40 years, 16 albums, and enough awards to fill a truck. She has won five Grammys. Albums like “Eve,” “Celia,” and “Mother Nature” win awards and sparked fame for the African singer.

The 64-year-old singer took to Instagram to thank her fans for bringing her “here.”

 

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The ‘Mama Africa’ doesn’t play by genre rules either. Afrobeat, jazz, R&B, Latin vibes, she mixes them all, and she does it well. Her collaborations tell the same story. From Burna Boy and Alicia Keys to Carlos Santana, the singer has worked with legends and brought something bold every time.

She once said, “There is no music in which I don’t find Africa.”

Her songs celebrate Africa, not just in sound, but in soul. She carries the continent with her, on every stage and every song. She has made the world listen to African stories, and more importantly, feel them.

Kidjo’s impact goes far beyond the studio. She has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2002. She speaks out for girls who don’t get to speak for themselves. She founded the Batonga Foundation, which helps African girls stay in school and chase their futures.

Kidjo / IG / The singer has also earned some serious global recognition. TIME named her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world in 2021.

Two years later, she was awarded the Polar Music Prize. Her work is not just art. It is an action. And it is about changing lives, not just playlists.

The date of the star ceremony isn’t set yet. Honorees have two years to schedule their big day. It takes time and money. An $85,000 sponsorship is required to make and maintain the star. But trust, when it happens, it will be a moment. Fans from all over will show up, because Kidjo’s win belongs to more than just her.

The star will be placed on Hollywood Boulevard, where millions walk every year. Her name will sit among the greats. It will be permanent, public, and powerful. Every visitor who stops to take a photo will also be taking in a piece of African music history.