Beninese music legend makes history as Africa’s voice resonates on one of the world’s most iconic stages
Africa Live News Staff
Published: July 8, 2025
Los Angeles, USA – In a moment that will echo across generations of African artists and music lovers worldwide, Angélique Kidjo, the globally acclaimed Beninese singer-songwriter and activist, has become the first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The historic unveiling ceremony took place over the weekend in Los Angeles, where fans, fellow musicians, and dignitaries gathered on Hollywood Boulevard to celebrate the groundbreaking milestone. Kidjo, known for her dynamic stage presence, soaring vocals, and tireless advocacy, stood with pride as her name was etched into global pop culture history.
“This star is not just for me,” said Kidjo during her emotional acceptance speech. “It is for every African girl who dares to dream, every artist who carries the sounds of our continent to the world. I stand here for them.”
A Voice that Echoes Across Continents
Kidjo’s influence on the global music scene spans over four decades, during which she has released 16 studio albums and performed on nearly every major stage across the world. Her sound — an exuberant fusion of Afrobeat, funk, jazz, R&B, reggae, and Latin music — has captivated audiences from New York to Lagos, from Paris to Rio.
With five Grammy Awards, including the 2022 Grammy for Best Global Music Album for Mother Nature, Kidjo has cemented her legacy as one of the most powerful voices in world music. In 2023, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world, while The Guardian hailed her as “Africa’s most fearless musical pioneer.”
She has collaborated with some of the most iconic names in global music, including Burna Boy, Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, Philip Glass, Yo-Yo Ma, and Branford Marsalis. Each collaboration has further expanded her reach and elevated African music on the world stage.
A Journey Forged Through Resilience
Born in Ouidah, Benin, in 1960, Angélique Kidjo grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a choreographer and theatre director, while her father was a musician. These early influences shaped Kidjo’s artistic path, but her journey was far from smooth.
In 1983, at the age of 23, she fled Benin under the oppressive communist regime of the time. Seeking creative freedom and safety, she moved to Paris, where she enrolled at the CIM, one of the first jazz music schools in France. There, she honed her craft, found her voice, and began the process of turning her personal experiences into a global sound.
“I had to leave my country to be able to sing freely,” she said in a 2020 interview with The New York Times. “But I carried Benin with me everywhere. Africa is the heartbeat of my music.”
Her lyrics often explore themes of freedom, identity, love, migration, and justice, making her not only a cultural ambassador but a powerful advocate for the marginalized.
More Than Music: A Legacy of Activism
Kidjo’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is not just a recognition of her artistic talent. It also celebrates her activism and commitment to social justice.
She is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, and the founder of the Batonga Foundation, which supports the education and empowerment of girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Through her work, she has championed girls’ rights, access to education, climate action, and refugee welfare.
“Music gives me a platform,” Kidjo once said, “but it is up to me to use that platform to speak for those whose voices are silenced.”
In recent years, she has performed at global summits and UN General Assemblies, delivering both music and messages that call the world to action.
Her 2021 album Mother Nature was hailed as a bold political statement — tackling climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resilience of African youth. Songs like “Africa, One of a Kind” and “Do Yourself” with Burna Boy have become anthems for a new generation of African artists looking to reshape narratives.
A Star for Africa
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, which includes more than 2,700 stars honoring legends from the entertainment world, has historically lacked representation from Africa — particularly Black African artists. Kidjo’s induction is seen as a landmark correction in that narrative.
“She’s not just a musician,” said American jazz icon Herbie Hancock, who attended the unveiling. “Angélique is a force of nature. This star is long overdue.”
Nigerian Afrobeat star Burna Boy, who has collaborated with Kidjo on multiple occasions, wrote on social media:
“Mama Africa, you did it! You carry us all with pride. Thank you for breaking walls and showing us it’s possible.”
The moment was also recognized by international organizations. The African Union Commission on Culture tweeted:
“Congratulations to Angélique Kidjo on this historic achievement. Africa shines through your voice and your actions.”
The Future is Still Bright
Even with her decades of success, Kidjo shows no signs of slowing down. She is currently working on a new album and an upcoming global tour scheduled for early 2026. According to her management, the album will include collaborations with emerging African talents — a sign of her commitment to lifting the next generation.
“I’m still learning, still growing, and still dancing,” she said with a smile at the Walk of Fame ceremony. “There are still so many stories from Africa that the world hasn’t heard.”
As the golden star bearing her name glistens on Hollywood Boulevard, it symbolizes more than fame — it is a testament to cultural resilience, global impact, and the transformative power of African artistry.
Africa Live News celebrates Angélique Kidjo — an icon, a trailblazer, and a star in every sense of the word.
