Beninese-French music legend Angelique Kidjo has made history once again, this time as the first African musician ever to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The announcement was made on July 2, 2025, with the five-time Grammy winner named among 35 new honorees selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. She joins an impressive list that includes global music stars like Miley Cyrus, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Clark Sisters, and Lyle Lovett.
This recognition marks yet another historic milestone for Kidjo, whose career spans over three decades and includes more than 15 studio albums. Widely celebrated for her genre-bending music that blends African folk, jazz, funk, Latin sounds, and global influences, Kidjo has long used her artistry to promote themes of unity, cultural pride, and social justice.
Beyond her powerful vocals and electrifying performances, Angelique Kidjo is also a well-known activist and pan-Africanist, whose work has consistently advocated for women’s rights, education, and the elevation of African culture on the world stage.
At 64 years old, Kidjo’s accolades are unmatched. She holds the Guinness World Record for the most Global Music Album awards at the Grammys, with five wins from 15 nominations. Her impact stretches far beyond music, cementing her place as one of the most influential African figures of the modern era.
Her upcoming star on Hollywood Boulevard places her in company with actors such as Timothée Chalamet, Rami Malek, and Marion Cotillard, all of whom are being recognised for their transformative roles in biopics of music legends like Bob Dylan, Freddie Mercury, and Edith Piaf respectively.
The 2025 honorees also include posthumous stars for British director Tony Scott and Italian special effects pioneer Carlo Rambaldi, known for his work on cinematic classics like E.T.
Angelique Kidjo’s star not only honors her rich legacy but also serves as a powerful reminder of Africa’s growing influence in global arts and entertainment. For fans and fellow musicians alike, this moment is a monumental celebration of African excellence on one of the world’s most iconic stages.
