The Digest:
A star for every step - Grammy-winning Beninese icon Angélique Kidjo has been named the first African artist to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. According to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the 2025 honours list recognises Kidjo’s four-decade legacy of music, activism, and cultural exchange.
Her selection signals more than personal achievement; it’s a symbolic win for African voices long excluded from the global canon. At a time when African artists are reshaping the soundscape of global pop, Kidjo’s recognition reminds us who paved the way.
Key Points:- Kidjo is the first African artist named to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star
- She’s a five-time Grammy winner and global music ambassador
- Her career spans 40+ years in music, activism, and African cultural promotion
- Her music blends Afropop, jazz, funk, and traditional West African sounds
- The 2025 honourees also include Miley Cyrus, Deepika Padukone, and Timothée Chalamet
- Kidjo’s recognition boosts visibility for African voices in global pop culture
- The ceremony cements her status as a pioneer and international icon
Kidjo’s name on the Walk of Fame isn’t just about legacy, it’s a quiet revolution for African cultural dignity. As the world listens, Africa rises.
Sources: Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Billboard, Variety
