Angélique Kidjo becomes first African musician honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Angélique Kidjo, the celebrated 66-year-old musician from Benin, has made history by becoming the first African musician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. During an emotional ceremony in Los Angeles, Kidjo knelt before her star, visibly moved to tears.

Organizers of the Walk of Fame recognized Kidjo for her "extraordinary career," highlighting her "powerful voice, artistic talent, and ability to bring African music and culture to audiences worldwide." In her acceptance speech, the artist declared, "We Africans are often not even aware of what we have given the world. Without us, music on this planet would not be possible." To emphasize her point, she began to sing.

Actor Willem Dafoe, a friend of Kidjo's since 2002, delivered a tribute, calling her "without a doubt, the hardest-working woman in show business." He also lauded her humanitarian activism. Music producer Harvey Mason Jr. added that the star is a "lasting symbol" of her achievements. Kidjo, born in Benin and now living in France, sings in Fon, Yoruba, French, and English, and is known for hits like "Agolo" and "We We." She has won five Grammys and performed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony. Time magazine has called her "Africa's leading diva."