Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo is set to make history as the first African artist to be honored with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. The multi-Grammy-winning musician was named among 36 new inductees selected for the 2025 class, a testament to her enduring legacy as one of Africa’s most celebrated and impactful musicians.
With a career spanning over four decades, Kidjo has released 16 albums and earned five Grammy Awards out of 15 nominations, holding the Guinness World Record for the most global music album awards won at the Grammys. Her unique sound, which blends African folklore with global musical influences, has captivated audiences worldwide, exploring themes of identity, unity, and resilience in her lyrics.
Beyond her musical achievements, Kidjo is also a committed activist and Pan-Africanist, consistently advocating for solidarity across the African diaspora. She is a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador and founder of the Batonga Foundation, which supports education for young girls in Africa. Her recognition on the Hollywood Walk of Fame marks a historic milestone not only for her but for the entire African music diaspora, celebrating her enduring impact on global entertainment and culture.
Kidjo’s inclusion in the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to her groundbreaking contributions to African music and her ability to transcend cultural boundaries. She joins an illustrious lineup of global stars, including Miley Cyrus, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Clark Sisters, and Lyle Lovett, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the music industry.
The exact date for Kidjo’s star unveiling has not yet been announced, but according to Walk of Fame tradition, honorees have up to two years from the announcement to schedule their induction ceremony. This honor underscores Kidjo’s role as a cultural ambassador who has elevated African music and identity on the world stage, inspiring a new generation of artists to dream big and break barriers.
