Angelique Kidjo becomes first African artist on Hollywood Walk of fame

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Angelique Kidjo

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo is set to make history as the first African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The Beninese-French icon will be honored in the “Recordings” category alongside global stars like Miley Cyrus and The Clark Sisters as part of the Walk of Fame’s Class of 2026.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced the selection of 35 honorees across entertainment fields including music, film, television, and sports. The selections were made during a June 20 panel meeting and approved by the Chamber’s board on June 25.

“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame,” said Peter Roth, former Warner Bros. Television CEO and Walk of Fame selection committee chairman. “These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”

At 64, Kidjo continues to be celebrated for her powerful vocals, genre-defying music, and dynamic performances that have brought African sounds to global audiences for decades. Beyond her musical achievements – including five Grammys and the 2023 Polar Music Prize – she is recognized as a cultural ambassador, activist, and actress.

The full list of 2026 Walk of Fame honorees includes:

Recordings:
Air Supply, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Paulinho da Costa, The Clark Sisters, Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Intocable, Angélique Kidjo, Lyle Lovett

Motion Pictures:
Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Chris Columbus, Marion Cotillard, Keith David, Rami Malek, Rachel McAdams, Demi Moore, Franco Nero, Deepika Padukone, Molly Ringwald, Stanley Tucci, Carlo Ramboldi (Posthumous), Tony Scott (Posthumous)

Television:
Greg Daniels, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucero, Chef Gordon Ramsay, Melody Thomas Scott, Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos (double ceremony), Bradley Whitford, Noah Wyle

Live Theatre/Performance:
Lea Salonga, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

Sports Entertainment:
Shaquille O’Neal

The date for Kidjo’s star ceremony has not yet been announced. This historic recognition cements her status as one of Africa’s most influential cultural figures and marks a milestone for African representation in global entertainment.

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