Angelique Kidjo receives Hollywood Walk of Fame star, first for a Black African

Beninese-French singer Angelique Kidjo became the first Black African to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame during a ceremony in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The five-time Grammy winner, 66, was honored before an audience that included film stars and music industry leaders.

Kidjo, born in Benin, has built an international career spanning more than 40 years and 18 albums. She has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people and recognized by the BBC and The Guardian for her cultural impact.

At the ceremony, Kidjo said, "We Africans don't know what we've given to the world. Without us, there's no music possible on this planet." She then performed a song for those in attendance.

Harvey Mason Jr. of the Recording Academy described Kidjo as a "rare artist" whose work reminds people that music is connection, not just entertainment. He said the star is a permanent symbol of her achievements, while her legacy lives in the people she has inspired and the barriers she has broken.

Actor Willem Dafoe praised Kidjo's energy on stage and her humanitarian work through the Batonga Foundation, which works to empower girls and young women in Africa. He said her dedication extends beyond celebrity involvement and reflects the same commitment she brings to her music.

The ceremony took place under palm trees on the Hollywood boulevard, with Kidjo unveiling the star on the busy thoroughfare. The honor marks a milestone for African music on the global stage.

Kidjo's career has blended traditional African sounds with global genres, earning her recognition across continents. The Walk of Fame star adds to a list of accolades that includes multiple Grammy awards and international honors.

The event highlighted both her artistic contributions and her advocacy, with speakers emphasizing the lasting influence of her work on audiences and fellow artists worldwide.