First African Musician gets Walk of Fame star

Angélique Kidjo, a powerhouse whose music bridges continents and cultures, is poised to make history by becoming the first African musician and the first Black African performer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

This monumental recognition acknowledges a career defined by a unique fusion of West African rhythms with funk, jazz, and R&B. Kidjo’s influence stretches far beyond the music charts, demonstrating an unparalleled ability to connect global audiences through her distinctive artistic voice.

She joins Charlize Theron, a celebrated white South African actress, in a significant gesture representing Africa on the Walk of Fame. Kidjo will be awarded the 2,854th star, cementing her status as a global cultural icon whose talent resonates across diverse musical landscapes.

Kidjo’s impressive legacy is built on decades of prolific artistry. Born in Benin and raised with a perspective that spans multiple cultures, she has amassed five Grammy Awards, including recognition for best contemporary world music album in 2008. Her work has consistently earned major accolades, including four wins for best global music album between 2015 and 2022, along with the prestigious Polar Music Prize in 2023.

Throughout her long career, Kidjo has released 19 albums since 1981, cultivating a remarkable roster of collaborations. Her artistic network is staggeringly diverse, featuring legendary figures like Sting, Alicia Keys, Peter Gabriel, Bono, and Yo-Yo Ma, alongside contemporary stars such as Burna Boy and Philip Glass.

The ceremony celebrating Kidjo’s achievement is scheduled for August 18th at 11:30 a.m. PT, taking place at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard. The event promises to be an unforgettable occasion, featuring notable attendees including Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Grammy and Emmy-nominated songwriter/producer Harvey Mason Jr.

The ceremony will be emceed by Variety correspondent Angelique Jackson, and the event will be streamed live exclusively at www.walkoffame.com, offering a window into the powerful story of an artist who has redefined world music.