In a momentous announcement that resonates far beyond the glittering sidewalks of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has unveiled its Class of 2026, featuring a name that marks a pivotal point in the annals of global entertainment: Angélique Kidjo. The Beninese-French singer, a titan of world music and a relentless advocate for social change, is set to receive a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the first Black African female singer to be bestowed with this iconic recognition. This honor is not merely a testament to her extraordinary talent, but a powerful acknowledgment of her undeniable impact on music, culture, and humanitarianism across continents for over four decades.

Born on July 14, 1960, in Ouidah, Dahomey (now Benin), Angélique Kidjo’s journey began amidst a vibrant tapestry of music, drama, and dance. Her upbringing was steeped in artistic expression; her mother was a choreographer and theatre director, while her father was a musician. This rich cultural environment exposed young Angélique to an eclectic mix of sounds, from the traditional rhythms of Benin and West Africa to the global influences of soul, jazz, reggae, afrobeat, pop, and classical music. She often recalls listening to her brothers cover international songs, and even Jimi Hendrix, which profoundly shaped her early musical sensibilities. By the tender age of six, she was already performing in her mother’s theatre troupe, showcasing an innate talent that would, decades later, captivate the world. Her early foray into music saw her singing with a school band, Les Sphinx, achieving a national radio hit with her adaptation of Miriam Makeba’s “Les Trois Z,” and recording her debut album, Pretty, which found significant success across West Africa.

However, Kidjo’s path to global stardom was not without its formidable challenges. In 1983, driven by the political oppression of Benin’s then-communist regime that sought to silence independent artistic expression, she made the courageous decision to move to Paris. There, she immersed herself in the thriving European music scene, studying jazz and honing her craft. She fronted the Euro-African jazz/rock band Pili Pili and formed a pivotal connection with French producer, composer, and bassist Jean Hebrail, who would later become her husband and long-time musical collaborator. Her dedication bore fruit when she signed with Island Records in 1991, marking the beginning of her international recording career.

What truly sets Angélique Kidjo apart is her remarkable ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical styles, creating a unique sound that defies categorization. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence are conduits for a rich tapestry of genres: she fuses the traditional West African rhythms of her Fon, Yoruba, and Goun heritage with elements of American R&B, funk, and jazz, alongside influences from Latin America, gospel, hip-hop, zouk, Zairean rumba, samba, and salsa. Her albums, numbering 16 studio releases, are a testament to this musical alchemy. Works like Logozo (an international success that addressed global issues), Fifa, Black Ivory Soul (a dazzling exploration of Brazilian forms), Õÿö (an album of covers), Eve (a powerful tribute to African women), Sings with the Orchestre Philharmonique Du Luxembourg, Celia (a vibrant homage to salsa legend Celia Cruz), and Mother Nature have consistently pushed artistic boundaries and garnered widespread critical acclaim.

Kidjo’s extraordinary contributions to music have been recognized with an impressive array of accolades. She is a five-time Grammy Award winner, a rare feat that underscores her consistent excellence and innovation. Her Grammy triumphs include Djin Djin for Best Contemporary World Music Album (2008), Eve for Best World Music Album (2015), Sings with the Orchestre Philharmonique Du Luxembourg for Best World Music Album (2016), Celia for Best Global Music Album (2020), and Mother Nature for Best Global Music Album (2022). Beyond the Grammys, her mantelpiece boasts prestigious honors such as the Crystal Award from the World Economic Forum (2015), the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience Award (2016), the German Sustainability Award (2018), the Vilcek Prize in Music (2023), and the esteemed Polar Music Prize (2023), often hailed as the Nobel Prize of music. In 2011, France honored her with the insignia of Officer of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, one of its top cultural distinctions.

However, Angélique Kidjo’s legacy extends far beyond her musical genius. She is a fervent activist and philanthropist, leveraging her global platform to champion crucial social causes. Since 2002, she has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, passionately advocating for children’s rights, girls’ education, and climate action. Her work with UNICEF has taken her across the globe, raising awareness and supporting vital programs. She is also an Oxfam ambassador and, in 2006, founded the Batonga Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting secondary education and entrepreneurial mentorship programs for young women and girls across Africa, empowering them to achieve financial independence. At the 2019 G7 Summit, French President Emmanuel Macron named Kidjo as the spokesperson for the AFAWA initiative (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa), highlighting her commitment to closing the financing gap for women entrepreneurs on the continent. She has also been a vocal advocate against child marriage, child stunting, and violence in schools, embodying a profound belief in the transformative power of education and empowerment.

Her collaborations speak volumes about her influence and versatility. Kidjo has shared stages and recording studios with an eclectic mix of global artists, including jazz legend Branford Marsalis, African giants Manu Dibango and Ray Lema, and pop icons like Peter Gabriel, Youssou N’Dour, Josh Groban, Alicia Keys, Yo-Yo Ma, and Philip Glass. She has also championed emerging African artists, such as Ghana’s Stonebwoy, fostering a sense of unity and intergenerational exchange within the African music scene. These collaborations underscore her belief that music is a universal language, capable of bridging cultural divides and showcasing our common humanity. She argues passionately that African music is the very heart of world music, having influenced genres like blues, rock, R&B, funk, and even classical music.

The selection of Angélique Kidjo for the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, announced on July 3, 2025, marks a monumental step for African representation in global entertainment. While the exact date for her star unveiling ceremony has not yet been announced—awardees typically have up to two years to schedule their induction—the significance of this recognition is immediate and profound. She joins a distinguished lineup of honorees, including Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Deepika Padukone (who becomes the first Indian actress to receive the honor), and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. This honor recognizes not just her unparalleled discography, but her tireless efforts to share African culture and sounds with the global community, challenging preconceived notions and opening doors for future generations of artists from the continent.

Angélique Kidjo’s journey, from a young girl singing in Benin to a five-time Grammy winner and a global humanitarian, culminating in this iconic Hollywood tribute, is nothing short of inspiring. She is more than a musician; she is a cultural ambassador, a fearless activist, and a living testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and effect meaningful change. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will forever shine as a beacon, celebrating not just an individual’s exceptional career, but the enduring vibrancy and universal appeal of African music and its profound contribution to the global artistic tapestry.