Benin music icon Angélique Kidjo will make history on August 18 as the first Black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The five-time Grammy winner will be honoured at the 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, across from the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. She will receive the 2,854th star in the Recording category.
Joining her for the ceremony are actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr.
“Angélique Kidjo’s extraordinary artistry and global influence have inspired audiences across generations and continents,” said Walk of Fame producer Ana Martinez. “We are proud to honour her as the first African artist to receive a star.”
Born in 1960 in Dahomey, now Benin, Kidjo released her debut album in 1981 before moving to Paris and later Brooklyn. In over 40 years she has released 18 albums, blending West African sounds with funk, jazz and R&B. She is also a TIME 100 honoree and advocate for children’s education in Africa.
She has worked with Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Sting and Alicia Keys, and featured on The Woman King soundtrack.
Until now, Charlize Theron was the only African-born star on the Walk, honoured in 2005.
