Five-time Grammy-winner Angélique Kidjo is to become the first African musician to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
The Beninese singer-songwriter and activist, who will be recognised in the category of Recording, will receive the Walk Of Fame's 2,854th star on August 18 at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard.
She will be joined at the ceremony by actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
“The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Angélique Kidjo to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame," said Walk Of Fame producer Ana Martinez. “Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents. We are proud to honour her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, recognising her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world.”
Kidjo, who has 18 albums to her name across a four-decade career, is credited with opening pathways for African artists on the global stage. Her music has spanned American R&B, funk, jazz, and gospel, as well as music from Europe, Latin America and across the African diaspora.
I started singing when I was six years old, and I’m grateful every day that I still get to live my passion
Angélique Kidjo
Released earlier this year, Kidjo's latest album, HOPE!! features Pharrell Williams, Quavo, Ayra Starr, Davido, Nile Rodgers, Charlie Wilson, IZA and PJ Morton, among others.
“I started singing when I was six years old, and I’m grateful every day that I still get to live my passion and do what I love with my life,” said Kidjo. “With this album I wanted to put some fire back in people’s hearts and show how much we need that joy and hope to keep our humanity going.”
Her international honours include the 2015 Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland; the 2016 Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award; the 2018 German Sustainability Award; the 2023 Vilcek Prize in Music; and the 2023 Polar Music Prize.
She has also been named as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in the world and travels the world advocating on behalf of children as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
