Angélique Kidjo has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first Black African artist to earn the honor.
The Beninese music icon and four-time Grammy Award winner was recognized for a career spanning African music, global sounds and cultural advocacy.
In her acceptance speech, Kidjo addressed Africa’s influence on global music and what she described as the continent’s often underappreciated contribution to the art form.
“We Africans just don’t know what we’ve given to the world, and what we continue giving to the world for the music to exist. Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet.”
The star adds to a career that has included collaborations with major international artists and consistent advocacy for African culture and social causes.
With the honor, Kidjo joins the Hollywood landmark and extends a legacy as one of Africa’s most influential musical voices internationally.
