Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo has officially made history after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. The five-time Grammy Award winner was honoured on August 18, becoming the first African musician and first Black African performer to receive the prestigious recognition.

The 2,854th star was unveiled in the Recording category at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, marking another major milestone in Kidjo’s career. The ceremony brought together personalities from the entertainment industry, including actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., who celebrated her decades of contribution to music and culture.

For Kidjo, the moment represents more than a personal achievement. Born and raised in Benin, she has spent more than four decades taking African sounds and stories to audiences around the world, blending West African musical traditions with genres including jazz, funk, pop and R&B. Her recognition places African creativity and cultural influence at the centre of one of the world’s most famous entertainment landmarks.

As her name becomes permanently part of Hollywood history, Kidjo’s achievement stands as a powerful reminder of how far African music has travelled. Her star is not only a celebration of one artist’s remarkable career, but also a milestone for generations of African creatives continuing to take their work to the global stage.