Five-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer, Angélique Kidjo, often called “Africa’s premier diva” by TIME Magazine, is the first African artiste to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Renowned for her vocals, genre-defying music, and electrifying stage presence, the Beninese-French superstar will be honoured in the “Recording” category, joining the ranks of global music legends such as Miley Cyrus and gospel pioneers The Clark Sisters.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced Kidjo as part of the Walk of Fame Class of 2026—an elite group of 35 trailblazers selected across music, film, television, live performance, and sports entertainment. The selections were made by the Walk of Fame selection panel on June 20 and officially approved by the board of directors on June 25.
“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame,” said Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the selection committee.
“These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”
Kidjo’s recognition is a landmark moment—not just for her, but for the entire African music diaspora. With a career spanning over four decades, she has continuously broken cultural and musical boundaries. A fierce advocate for African art and identity, Kidjo has been instrumental in introducing global audiences to the richness of African rhythms, languages, and traditions.
At 64, Kidjo’s list of accolades continues to grow. In addition to her five GRAMMY Awards, she is a 2023 recipient of the prestigious Polar Music Prize and is widely celebrated as one of Africa’s greatest living vocalists. Beyond music, she is also an actress and a passionate advocate for humanitarian causes, particularly those centred around women’s empowerment and education.
Joining Kidjo in the 2026 Walk of Fame class are actors Timothée Chalamet and Demi Moore, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, and basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal, among others.
The date for Angélique Kidjo’s star unveiling ceremony will be announced in the coming months.
