Angelique Kidjo Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
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| HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 18: (L-R) Ron Frierson, President and CEO, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Willem Dafoe, Angélique Kidjo, Harvey Mason jr., CEO, the Recording Academy, Angelique Jackson and Jerry Neuman, Executive Committee Member, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce attend the ceremony honoring Angélique Kidjo with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 18, 2026 in Hollywood, California. Kevin Winter/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP) |
The historic unveiling took place during a star-studded ceremony bathed in quintessential California sunshine, where film luminaries and prominent music executives gathered to celebrate her legendary career along the iconic boulevard.
Addressing the audience during her acceptance speech, the 66-year-old artist reflected on the profound global influence of African culture:
“We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world,” the 66-year-old said.
“Without us, there’s no music possible on this planet.”
Following heartfelt acknowledgments to her team and family, Kidjo delivered a captivating spontaneous vocal performance, captivating everyone in attendance.
Originally from Benin, Kidjo has forged an extraordinary international legacy spanning over four decades and 18 studio albums.
Her immense impact extends far beyond music. As well as being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people, she has also been nominated as one of Africa’s 50 most iconic figures by the BBC, and one of the 100 most inspiring people in the world by The Guardian.
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| Beninese musician and actress Angelique Kidjo stands on her newly unveiled star during her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles on August 18, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP |
Paying tribute to her unparalleled legacy, Harvey Mason Jr. of the Recording Academy hailed Kidjo as a “rare artist.”
“Your example has elevated our global music community, and your work continues to remind us that music is more than entertainment; it’s connection,” he said.
“This star is a permanent symbol; it’s not going anywhere, and it’s a symbol of your achievements. But your legacy, it lives in the people that you’ve touched, that you’ve inspired, the barriers that you’ve broken, the connections you’ve created all around the world.”
Actor Willem Dafoe praised Kidjo’s immense energy on stage.
“The first time I saw Angelique perform live, I thought her music, her dancing, her commitment were incredible,” the “Platoon” star said.
“She is, without a doubt, the hardest-working woman in show business.”
However, he noted that even more remarkable is her deep commitment to the humanitarian mission of her Batonga Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women across Africa.
“This is not a token celebrity involvement; it is an extension of what she does with her music. She stirs us, lifts us up, and reminds us that we’re all connected, and that love and understanding is the way.”
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