Angélique Kidjo makes history with Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Beninese music legend Angélique Kidjo made history this week, becoming the first African musician and the first Black African performer to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The five-time Grammy Award winner received the 2,854th star in the Recording category during a ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

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We Africans don’t know what we’ve given to the world, what we continue giving to the world; without us there’s no music possible [on] this planet.

The star, located at 7011 Hollywood Boulevard, was unveiled in a ceremony hosted by Variety correspondent Angelique Jackson. Academy Award-nominated actor Willem Dafoe and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. delivered speeches celebrating Kidjo's impact. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also proclaimed August 18 as Angélique Kidjo Day in Hollywood.

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It’s not just my star, it’s our star.

Kidjo, who grew up in Ouidah, Benin, and moved to Paris in 1983, has built an international career spanning over four decades. She released her debut album, "Pretty," in 1981. Her recognition on the Walk of Fame is seen as a significant milestone for African artists worldwide.

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This star is a permanent symbol; it’s not going anywhere, and it’s a symbol of your achievements.

"It's not just my star, it's our star," Kidjo declared during the ceremony, emphasizing that her achievement is a testament to the global contribution of African music. She expressed hope that her accomplishment would pave the way for more African artists to receive similar honors. Mason Jr. praised Kidjo's artistic achievements and her humanitarian work, calling her star a "permanent symbol" of her success and a testament to her role in breaking barriers and inspiring others.

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The first time I saw Angélique perform live, I thought her music, her dancing, her commitment were incredible.