Angélique Kidjo, the multiple Grammy-winning Beninese musician, received the 2,854th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, becoming the first African musician and first Black African to be honored in the Recording category.
The ceremony was hosted by Angelique Jackson and attended by Oscar-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
Ceremony remarks
Dafoe said of Kidjo: “She’s without a doubt the hardest working woman in showbusiness… [she’s also] an incredibly kind and giving person and a real activist.”
Mason Jr. added: “I spent much of my career among artists, and every once in a while, you experience someone whose impact extends beyond the stage… someone who isn’t just an artist, but there’s purpose behind the art. Angélique is absolutely one of those rare artists.”
In her speech, Kidjo framed the honor as a recognition of Africa’s cultural contribution: “We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world, what we continue giving to the world; without us there’s no music possible in this planet.”
She has also described the star in collective terms, saying, “It’s not just my star, it’s our star.”
Official declaration and attendees
Just before the unveiling, Ron Frierson, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, declared August 18 as Angélique Kidjo Day in Hollywood.
Benin-born actor Djimon Hounsou and Nigerian musician Adekunle Gold attended the ceremony alongside friends and family of Kidjo.
Four decades of music and influence
For more than four decades, Kidjo has contributed to the catalogue of African music, bridging sounds from her native Benin with funk, jazz, and pop, and earning five Grammy awards along the way.
Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer, said in a statement: “Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents. We are proud to honor her remarkable contributions to music and culture around the world.”
Kidjo has said of her legacy for younger African women: “What I love about it is that they are themselves. I don’t want anybody to copy me, I want the young women of Africa to be and love themselves and to fight for what they want.”
Kidjo joins a list of Black artists with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, including:
- Aretha Franklin
- Whitney Houston
- Chaka Khan
- Diana Ross
- Janet Jackson
- Tina Turner
- Mary J. Blige
