Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo has become the first Black African woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, according to reporting on the ceremony. Born in Benin, West Africa, the 66-year-old artist received the honor during a ceremony on a busy Los Angeles thoroughfare, with recognition from film stars and music industry figures.
Hollywood Walk of Fame Honor and Industry Impact
Kidjo accepted the star under California skies, reflecting on the global reach of African music. “We Africans don’t realize what we have given to the world,” Kidjo stated, according to event coverage. “Without us, music on this planet would not be possible.” After thanking her team and family, Kidjo performed for the assembled crowd.
Actor Willem Defo praised Kidjo’s stage presence during the event. “The first time I saw Angélique perform live, I thought her music, her dance and her commitment was incredible,” Defo stated according to the source material. “She unquestionably is the hardest working woman in show business.” Alongside her four-decade music career spanning 18 albums, Kidjo runs the Batonga Foundation, which works to strengthen the rights of girls and young women in Africa.
Did you know? Before Kidjo’s recognition, the only other artist of African origin to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was South Africa-born Charlize Theron, who received hers in 2005 in the motion pictures category, according to industry records.
The Rise of African Artists on the Global Music Stage
South African pop star Tyla secured her second Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for the track “Push 2 Start”, while legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti from Nigeria received a posthumous Grammy lifetime achievement award.
Nigerian superstar Burna Boy won a Grammy in 2021 for his album Twice as Tall. According to concert data, he became the first African musician to completely sell out London’s Olympic Stadium as a solo act, alongside a sell-out show at Stade de France in Paris. Fellow Nigerian artists Wizkid, Davido, Rema, and Asake have similarly sold out major venues like London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and The O2 arena.
Streaming Records and Chart Dominance
Benin-born Nigerian singer Ayra Starr set new streaming benchmarks with her album Starrgirl, which reached number one on Apple Music charts in over ten countries and generated streams on Spotify in its first day. According to platform data, Starr is currently the most-streamed African female artist, crossing the five million follower threshold on Spotify following the debut of her 2024 album The Year I Turned 21 on the US Billboard 200 and UK Official Album charts.
Additional continental visibility comes from artists like Tanzania’s Zuchu, who performs in Swahili. The historical lineage of African Grammy recognition dates back to 1966, when South African singer Miriam Makeba—known as Mama Africa—became the first African female artist to win a Grammy, cementing a legacy built on traditional standards like her signature song “Malaika”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first Black African woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Angélique Kidjo became the first Black African woman to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, following a ceremony celebrating her four-decade career.
Which African artists have won Grammy Awards?
Artists including Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Tyla, and late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti have received Grammy recognition.
What is the Batonga Foundation?
The Batonga Foundation is an organization operated by Angélique Kidjo that focuses on strengthening the rights of girls and young women in Africa.
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