Singer Angelique Kidjo has become the first African performer to be selected for a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
64-year-old singer Angelique from Benin was described as Africa’s “premier diva,”holds Africa’s record for the most Grammy Award wins, having won the coveted award five times, was among the 35 names announced as part of the Walk of Fame’s class of 2026 list.
Kidjo receives the honour after making music for more than four decades and releasing 16 albums which took up to two years to schedule her induction ceremonies which is the time taken after the recipient has been selected for a star.
Kidjo now joins Charlize Theron, a white South African actress, in representing Africa on the Walk of Fame, which comprises more than 2,700 stars. Theron received her star in 2005.
She said she has been driven by curiosity since childhood, adding: “my nickname was ‘when, why, how?’. I want to understand things, to understand my place in this world.” She said.
Her long list of collaborators includes renowned icons such as Davido, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Fally Ipupa, Philip Glass, Sting, and Alicia Keys.
She is a Unicef and Oxfam goodwill ambassador, and has her own charity, Batonga, which is dedicated to supporting the education of young girls in Africa.
Singer Miley Cyrus, actor Timothée Chalamet, actress Demi Moore and former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal are also among those set to be honoured with a star on Los Angeles’ famous walk.
