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Beninese-French singer Angelique Kidjo has become the first African musician and the first Black African to receive Sa star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a career milestone that she dedicated to Africa's wider contribution to global music.
The five-time Grammy winner, 66, received the Hollywood landmark's 2,854th star during a ceremony Tuesday at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. The honor was presented in the recording category, according to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
During the ceremony, Kidjo described the recognition as extending far beyond her own career and drew attention to Africa's influence on music around the world.
"We Africans don't know what we've given to the world. Without us, there's no music possible on this planet," Kidjo said.
Actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy Chief Executive Harvey Mason Jr. joined the event as guest speakers.
Hollywood Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez said Kidjo's work had reached audiences across generations and continents, while emphasizing the significance of her becoming the first African artist to receive a star.
"We are proud to honor her as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world," Martinez said.
Benin's President Romuald Wadagni also welcomed the recognition, saying Kidjo had "etched her name into history."
"By becoming the first African artist to receive this global honor, the Beninese icon has raised the rhythms, creativity and dignity of our entire nation to the highest level," Wadagni said.
Born in the coastal city of Ouidah in 1960, Kidjo began performing as a child before moving to France in the 1980s.
Across more than four decades and 18 albums, she has brought together West African musical traditions with R&B, funk, jazz, gospel, reggae and Latin American influences.
Her collaborations have brought her together with artists including Alicia Keys, Burna Boy, Carlos Santana, Peter Gabriel, Bono, Philip Glass and Yo-Yo Ma.
Kidjo's international honors also include the 2023 Polar Music Prize, Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience Award and the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award. Time magazine also included her among its 100 most influential people in 2021.
Alongside her music career, Kidjo has served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and founded the Batonga Foundation, which supports education and economic empowerment for girls and young women across Africa.
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