Angelique Kidjo, the artist who collaborated with Yemi Alade on her hit single “Shekere,” has been honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This huge historical feat has now made her the first African artist to be honored in such a way.
It has so far been a landmark moment for African music and global culture. Beninoise-French singer Angélique Kidjo has been named the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The announcement, which received worldwide celebration on social media platforms like X, marked a significant milestone in recognizing the continent’s rich musical heritage on one of the world’s most iconic entertainment stages.
The honor, bestowed in the Recordings category, underscores Angelique Kidjo’s four-decade-long career and her profound impact on the global music landscape.
Angelique Kidjo’s Brief
Born in Ouidah, Benin, Angelique Kidjo’s rise to international fame and stardom is a testament to her resilience and talent.
She is widely known for her electrifying stage presence and a voice that blends West African rhythms with jazz, funk, and pop.
Angelique Kidjo has earned over five Grammy Awards, including Best Global Music Album for her *Queen of Sheba* in 2023.
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Angelique Kidjo’s Collaborations
Her collaborations with artists like Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, Kizz Daniel, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, and the Soweto Gospel Choir have cemented her status as a cultural ambassador.
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Angelique Kidjo’s historic recognition comes as part of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026, announced on the 2nd of July, 2025, by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
Kidjo joins a diverse cohort of honorees, including Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and Shaquille O’Neal, but her star stands out as a groundbreaking achievement.
According to a 2025 study from the University of Southern California, only 7% of the Walk’s 2,700+ stars honor non-U.S. artists, highlighting the rarity of this international acknowledgment and challenging Hollywood’s historical focus on American talent.
Angelique Kidjo’s star ceremony, scheduled for later this year, celebrates not just her success but also the growing influence of African music worldwide.
A UNESCO report in 2023 noted a 15% rise in African artist streams on Spotify since 2020, reflecting the continent’s increasing cultural footprint.
Angelique Kidjo, who was raised in a multilingual household speaking languages like Fon, Yoruba, and French, had already become a pro at it when making music.
Kidjo’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion resonates with this trend. Her music, which often addresses social issues like gender equality and education, has inspired a new generation of artists and fans across continents.
This achievement arrives at a time when African music is experiencing a renaissance, driven by improved internet penetration and the rise of streaming platforms.
Angelique Kidjo’s Net Worth
Web insights from notable sources (dated April 2023) reveal that Africa’s music streaming revenue is projected to reach $524.10 million by 2027, fueled by companies like Spotify and Apple Music expanding across the continent.
Chinese investments in smartphone infrastructure have further accelerated this growth, enabling artists like Kidjo to reach new audiences.
As Kidjo prepares to leave her mark on Hollywood Boulevard, her legacy extends beyond music. Through her foundation, she continues to support education for girls in Africa, aligning with her belief that “culture is the heartbeat of humanity.” Fans and industry peers alike are eager to witness her star ceremony, which promises to be a celebration of African excellence on a global stage.