In brief
Killing two centuries of invisibility, Angélique Kidjo, the Béninese music icon, received her first Walk of Fame star in Los Angeles, becoming the first African musician to be honoured on the glittering strip. The celebration, attended by Willem Dafoe, Djimon Hounsou, and Adekunle Gold, highlighted over four decades of fusing African rhythms with funk, jazz and pop. Kidjo’s legendary career includes 18 albums, five Grammys, the 2023 Polar Music Prize, and a long‑standing role as a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador. Her moment in the spotlight echoes a broader push for global recognition of African artistry and cultural influence.
Angélique Kidjo, the five‑time Grammy‑winning star from Bénin, has celebrated a historic milestone by becoming the first African musician to be honoured with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
The night’s ceremony drew an agenda of high‑profile guests. Hollywood actor Willem Dafoe, fellow Béninese actor Djimon Hounsou and Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold were among the luminaries who joined Kidjo to receive her tribute. The event echoed her longstanding commitment to fusing African sounds with global musical languages, a fusion that has earned her worldwide acclaim and an enduring legacy that transcends borders.
Kidjo, 66, spoke to the crowd about the importance of African contribution to world music, noting that “without us, there is no music possible on this planet.” She further revealed how her star embodies a vision of a unified humanity that transcends language, color, and geography.
Her initiation into the Walk of Fame opened a new chapter of visibility for African artists on one of the world’s most public stages. The star has solidified her influence on a range of musical styles, marking her as a trailblazer for future generations of creatives across the continent.
Kidjo, a UNICEF and Oxfam goodwill ambassador and a founder of the Batonga Foundation, used her moment to spotlight the vital work of empowering vulnerable young women and girls in Bénin. Her stellar career and humanitarian dedication continue to resonate across continents, reinforcing her standing as one of the most influential voices in world music.
