Five-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, actress, and activist Angélique Kidjo has made history as both the first African musician and the first Black African performer to be immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Beninese music icon was honored with the 2,854th star on the famous boulevard during a ceremony on August 18, 2026, in Hollywood, California.

Emceed by Variety correspondent Angelique Jackson, the event brought together industry heavyweights, including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., actor Djimon Hounsou, and Nigerian music star Adekunle Gold.

Taking the stage to deliver a passionate speech, the 64-year-old music legend celebrated Africa's foundational role in global music before breaking into song and dancing over her newly unveiled star.

To mark the historic occasion, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Ron Frierson officially proclaimed August 18 as "Angélique Kidjo Day" in Hollywood.

"We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world, what we continue giving to the world; without us, there’s no music possible on this planet," Kidjo declared.

Tributes poured in from long-time friends and collaborators who celebrated Kidjo's four-decade career, global influence, and humanitarian work through her Batonga Foundation.
> "This star is a permanent symbol; it’s not going anywhere, and it’s a symbol of your achievements. But your legacy, it lives in the people that you’ve touched, that you’ve inspired, the barriers that you’ve broken, the connections you’ve created all around the world... Angélique is absolutely one of those rare artists," stated Harvey Mason Jr.

"The first time I saw Angélique perform live, I thought her music, her dancing, her commitment were incredible. She is, without a doubt, the hardest-working woman in show business," remarked actor Willem Dafoe. "This is not a token celebrity involvement; it is an extension of what she does with her music. She stirs us, lifts us up, and reminds us that we’re all connected, and that love and understanding is the way."

Spanning over 40 years, Kidjo's career has bridged West African musical traditions with global R&B, jazz, funk, and Latin sounds. Aside from holding the record as the most Grammy-awarded artiste in the Best Global Music Album category, she has collaborated with artists ranging from Burna Boy and Davido to Alicia Keys and Bono.

Her latest release, HOPE!!, features contributions from Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Ayra Starr, and PJ Morton.