Kidjo's remarkable journey from Benin to international stages highlights her dedication to music and advocacy for education for young girls in Africa.
Musical icon Angélique Kidjo has made history by becoming the first black African performer to receive a star on the revered Hollywood Walk of Fame. The announcement was made as part of a class of 35 honorees for the upcoming 2026 list, which includes notable names like Miley Cyrus and Timothée Chalamet.
Kidjo, a native of Benin, has established herself as one of Africa's leading voices and has been awarded five Grammy Awards throughout her illustrious career. Celebrated for her ability to blend traditional West African music with funk, jazz, and R&B, she has collaborated with a host of international artists, such as Burna Boy and Sting.
While Charlize Theron represents Africa on the Walk of Fame alongside Kidjo, this newly garnered honor carries significant weight in showcasing African talent in a predominantly Western framework. The exact date for the unveiling of Kidjo's star is still pending, but recipients have a two-year window to arrange their induction ceremonies.
Before achieving international fame, Kidjo left Benin in 1983, escaping the oppressive communist regime that had taken hold of her homeland. Her passion for music and understanding the complexities of life stemmed from her childhood curiosity. Starting her career as a backing vocalist in Paris, she eventually ventured out on her own, releasing her debut album, “Parakou,” in 1990.
In addition to her musical contributions, Kidjo is a staunch advocate for young girls’ education through her charity, Batonga, and serves as a Unicef and Oxfam goodwill ambassador. Her journey embodies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to social change, which she continues to inspire through her work and platforms.
Musical icon Angélique Kidjo has made history by becoming the first black African performer to receive a star on the revered Hollywood Walk of Fame. The announcement was made as part of a class of 35 honorees for the upcoming 2026 list, which includes notable names like Miley Cyrus and Timothée Chalamet.
Kidjo, a native of Benin, has established herself as one of Africa's leading voices and has been awarded five Grammy Awards throughout her illustrious career. Celebrated for her ability to blend traditional West African music with funk, jazz, and R&B, she has collaborated with a host of international artists, such as Burna Boy and Sting.
While Charlize Theron represents Africa on the Walk of Fame alongside Kidjo, this newly garnered honor carries significant weight in showcasing African talent in a predominantly Western framework. The exact date for the unveiling of Kidjo's star is still pending, but recipients have a two-year window to arrange their induction ceremonies.
Before achieving international fame, Kidjo left Benin in 1983, escaping the oppressive communist regime that had taken hold of her homeland. Her passion for music and understanding the complexities of life stemmed from her childhood curiosity. Starting her career as a backing vocalist in Paris, she eventually ventured out on her own, releasing her debut album, “Parakou,” in 1990.
In addition to her musical contributions, Kidjo is a staunch advocate for young girls’ education through her charity, Batonga, and serves as a Unicef and Oxfam goodwill ambassador. Her journey embodies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to social change, which she continues to inspire through her work and platforms.
