Imagine a sunny afternoon on Hollywood Boulevard, tourists pointing down gleefully at yet another pink-and-bronze star beneath their feet. Now, imagine the star reads “Angélique Kidjo”, the iconic, Grammy-winning powerhouse from Benin. Cue applause, confetti (well, maybe not confetti—but it should have been), and a collective moment of wait—is this really a big deal?
Yes, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is essentially glittery sidewalk real estate—three blocks of fame immortalised in terrazzo and brass.
But to truly appreciate why Kidjo’s is a landmark moment, you have to peer beneath the pomp.
“First African Artist”—A Triumph
Angélique Kidjo has shattered glass ceilings—and paved her own.
In 2025 she was announced as the first Black African artist to earn a star in the Walk’s recording category, part of the Class of 2026.
Forty years of defying genres, languages (Fon, Yoruba, English, French), and expectations finally etched onto Hollywood Boulevard.
More Than A Brick In The Sidewalk
Kidjo isn’t just collecting accolades—she’s a cultural ambassador.
Five Grammy wins, collaborations with Burna Boy, Alicia Keys, and Philip Glass, and awards like the Polar Music Prize top-notch her résumé.
Yet it’s her activism—the Batonga Foundation, UNICEF/BATONGA advocacy, championing girls’ education—that gives her star extra shine.
Why Hollywood Blvd?
Hollywood doesn’t just celebrate entertainment—it broadcasts international relevance.
By honoring Kidjo, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce signals that African music and culture matter at a global scale.
It’s a statement: no more background music, no more fillers. African stars are headliners.
The (Sidewalk) Acts
Let’s get real: for most passersby, a Walk of Fame star is just a photo op. But throw Angélique’s name into the mix, and suddenly there’s context:
1. A woman from Ouidah who sang her way from political unrest to Paris, then to global stages.
2. A singer who fuses funk, jazz, Afrobeat and tradition—and does it authentically.
3. A voice for girls whose foundations sound louder than any seal of approval.
A Hollywood Giggle With Substance
Yes, it’s a star on the sidewalk. But laughter aside, it symbolises so much. It’s Hollywood saying, “Look, world: this is culture. This is influence.” It’s like placing a giant billboard that says, “African artistry: respectfully here, unapologetically loud.”
The True Legacy
Kidjo’s star belongs equally to Miriam Makeba and Fela Kuti and Hugh Masekela—legendary voices who paved the road but never got their own terrazzo tiles.
Her honor illuminates that pathway, reminding us that street-level recognition can reshape the skyline.
Also Read: “It’s Unfair!” – Reekado Banks Slams Industry Exploitation of Young Artistes
So yes, it’s a big deal. Maybe not Oscar-level grand, but monumental in context.
Kidjo’s star is a comedic wink (“Hey look, there’s my name!”), a triumph lap, and—most importantly—a cultural checkpoint.
When future artists stroll down Hollywood Boulevard, Angélique’s star will stand as proof: Africa belongs in the global spotlight—no backstage pass required.
Final curtain call: Kidjo herself summed it up perfectly:
“This star is not just for me. It belongs to Africa.”
Yes, even a star on a sidewalk can echo across continents—if you build it with courage, conviction, and a heck of a voice.
Kudos, Angélique Kidjo. Show Hollywood how it’s done.
